Researchers Create 3D Images of Ancient Daddy Long Legs Fossil
Posted on August 23, 2011
Researchers from Imperial College London created 3D models of two fossilized species of harvestmen, which are also known as daddy long legs. The models were published in the journal Nature Communications. The harvestmen skittered around ancient forests 300 million years ago just like they do today. The researchers say the harvestmen have not changed much in 300 million years.
Dr Russell Garwood of Imperial College London, says, "It is absolutely remarkable how little harvestmen have changed in appearance since before the dinosaurs. If you went out into the garden and found one of these creatures today it would be like holding a little bit of prehistory in your hands. We can't yet be sure why harvestmen appear so modern when most land animals, including their cousins such as scorpions, were in such a primitive form at the time. It may be because they evolved early to be good at what they do, and their bodies did not need to change any further."
You can find the news release from the Imperial College London here.