In the heart of central Montana, USA, an intriguing fossil has recently come to light. This fossil has been identified to belong to a species named Syllipsimopodi bideni, named in honor of the President of the United States, Joe Biden. The species is reported to be the oldest known relative of modern octopuses, displaying an astonishing ten arms, two of which were twice as long as its other eight.
Distinctive Features of Syllipsimopodi bideni
Syllipsimopodi was approximately 12 cm in length and bore a remarkable resemblance to squids, despite their distant relation. One distinguished feature of this ancient creature was its torpedo-shaped body, and another was its possession of the earliest known suckers. These suckers allowed the species to grasp their prey or any other objects more efficiently.
The ten-armed Syllipsimopodi bears significance as it represents the only known species in the octopus lineage that had more than eight limbs, suggesting a loss of two arms through the course of evolution. Similar examples can be observed in the reduction of digits in meat-eating dinosaurs or horses throughout history.
Syllipsimopodi: Life and Habitat
Researchers suggest that Syllipsimopodi was likely a mid-level predator thriving in the warm tropical waters of Montana, which was closer to the equator during that time. The creature’s diet probably consisted of smaller invertebrates. Evidence shows that this remarkable creature was drifting across oceans nearly 328 million years ago.
The Vampyropods Connection
Through the discovery of Syllipsimopodi, the origins of a group known as vampyropods, which include present-day octopuses, have been pushed back by 82 million years. Vampyropods are soft-bodied marine creatures characterized typically by eight arms and an internal chitinous shell or fin supports. This group, along with octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, belong to the larger classification of cephalopods.
Understanding Octopuses
Octopuses, the most intelligent invertebrates, are ocean-dwelling creatures best known for their eight arms and bulbous heads. They possess three hearts and have blue blood. For defense, octopuses squirt ink to fend off predators. Additionally, their lack of bones allows them to maneuver into and out of tight spaces.
The discovery of Syllipsimopodi highlights the extraordinary diversity that has existed in Earth’s oceans. This adds a significant piece to our understanding of how modern-day cephalopods, like octopuses, evolved over millions of years.
