Recently, researchers have discovered three fossils of the earliest known living animal – Dickinsonia, aged at 550 million years old, on the roof of the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters. These ancient remains were found on the ceiling of the Auditorium Cave, changing our understanding of early life forms. Prior to this discovery, it was assumed that sponges, appearing in the fossil record around 540 million years ago, held the title for the oldest living organism. The latest evidence now points towards the 558 million-years-old Dickinsonia and other similar Ediacaran animals as the earliest forms of life.
Dickinsonia: An Insight into Its Past
The world’s oldest Dickinsonia fossil was unearthed by an international team of researchers in September 2018. This creature first appeared between 571 million to 541 million years ago, which is a significant 100 million years earlier than the current fossil evidence. Dickinsonia is an extinct genus of basal animals, residing during the late Ediacaran period. Its habitats covered areas that are now known as Australia, Russia, and Ukraine.
Understanding Dickinsonia’s Physical Characteristics
Dickinsonia, believed to represent the earliest large complex multicellular life on Earth, had a unique appearance. With no predators to fear, they didn’t require hard protective carapaces or skeletons. Their soft bodies resembled elongated tubes, fronds, or thin quilt-like pillows, bearing little resemblance to modern-day animals.
Classifying the Dickinsonia
While its classification remains uncertain, some growth patterns suggest a stem-group bilaterian affinity. Although there are suggestions that it belongs to fungi or even an “extinct kingdom”, discovering cholesterol molecules in Dickinsonia fossils supports the notion that it was indeed an animal.
Significance of the Discovery
This discovery is testament to similar paleoenvironments, confirming Gondwanaland’s assembly by 550 million years ago. Paleoenvironment refers to past environments preserved in the rock record. Understanding these fossils could lead scientists to better comprehend how geology and biology interacted to trigger complex life evolution on Earth.
Bhimbetka Caves: A Peek into the Past
The Bhimbetka rock shelters, an archaeological site centrally located in India, spans the prehistoric Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. Showcasing some of the earliest human life traces in India, evidence of Stone Age activities has been found at this site dating back to Acheulian times.
The Discovery of Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Discovered by V S Wakankar in 1957, the Bhimbetka rock shelters have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising seven hills and over 750 rock shelters spread across 10 km, this remarkable site provides a glimpse into early human history.
Location of Bhimbetka Caves
The shelters are nestled between Hoshangabad and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen District, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Bhopal, in the Vindhya Mountains’ foothills.
Artistic Impressions Inside Bhimbetka Caves
These ancient caves feature prehistoric cave paintings, with the oldest dating back to 10,000 years (c. 8,000 BCE). Rendered predominantly in red and white, these artworks cover a multitude of themes, depicting scenes of hunting, dancing, singing, and more – showcasing the life of the inhabitants. The oldest painting in the Bhimbetka is believed to be around 12,000 years old.
