Scientists discover a crab preserved in amber and lived in the age of dinosaurs | environment
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New research, published in Science Advances, describes the first known fossil crab from the age of dinosaurs. According to scientists, it is the most complete fossil that has ever been discovered. The species, originally from Myanmar (Asia), was called Cretapsara athanata And he lived in the Cretaceous period, about 100 million years ago.
Computerized tomography revealed parts of the animal’s body, such as the gills (respiratory tract), antennae, eyes, and fine hairs in the mouth parts. The crab is very small, its length is 5 mm. According to the researchers, it is not possible to know whether it is an infant, a young person, or a full-fledged adult.
3D reproduction of a crab fossil – Photo: Science Advances / Elizabeth Clark and Javier Luque
“The new fossil preserves large compound eyes, delicate mouthparts and even nostrils.” The article says.
Scientists believe that the species was not entirely marine and was not fully inhabited by land. “It likely lived in fresh or brackish water, near an amber growing forest.”
Crab fossils from the age of the dinosaurs have already been found, but most of them are incomplete. This new discovery helps scientists understand the history of crabs.
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