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500-Million-Year-Old Fossil Reveals Ancient Chelicerate Anatomy

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

A newly described fossil from Utah's Wheeler Formation shows chelicerates existed more than 500 million years ago.
The fossil's well-preserved front claws provide the oldest clear evidence of these specialized appendages.
Paleontologists, including Rudy Lerosey-Aubril, say the fossil shows chelicerates had a modern body plan earlier than thought.
The specimen, in a museum collection since the 1980s, offers insights into ancient arthropod evolution and feeding in a primeval sea.

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Story summary

A newly described fossil from Utah's Wheeler Formation shows chelicerates existed more than 500 million years ago.
The fossil's well-preserved front claws provide the oldest clear evidence of these specialized appendages.
Paleontologists, including Rudy Lerosey-Aubril, say the fossil shows chelicerates had a modern body plan earlier than thought.
The specimen, in a museum collection since the 1980s, offers insights into ancient arthropod evolution and feeding in a primeval sea.