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Ancient Sponge Fossil Disrupts Understanding of Early Animal Life

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A 550-million-year-old sponge fossil found along the Yangtze River in China reshapes views of early animal life.
It bridges a 160-million-year gap between molecular estimates and fossils.
The fossil, described by geobiologist Shuhai Xiao’s team, resembles modern glass sponges.
Nature published the study, prompting researchers to rethink early-life searches globally.

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Story summary

A 550-million-year-old sponge fossil found along the Yangtze River in China reshapes views of early animal life.
It bridges a 160-million-year gap between molecular estimates and fossils.
The fossil, described by geobiologist Shuhai Xiao’s team, resembles modern glass sponges.
Nature published the study, prompting researchers to rethink early-life searches globally.