2024/11/14 by Zhiheng Ma, James C. Lamsdell, Maxwell Wang +3 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils #Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy #Geological and Geophysical Studies
paper · doi:10.1016/j.gr.2024.11.003
• A new stylonurine Qujingopterus spineus n. gen. et sp., is discovered in southwest China. • We propose that stylonurines migrated to Gondwana due to due to the retreat of the Rheic Ocean. • A better understanding of when and how eurypterids invaded freshwater ecosystem is provided. This paper describes a new stylonurine eurypterid: Qujingopterus spineus gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Devonian (late Lochkovian to early Pragian) Xitun formation of Yunnan Province, South China. This discovery represents one of the earliest stylonurine records from Gondwana and further supports the global distribution of stylonurines. Considering the probable region of origin of the clade and and their lack of anatomical structures adapted for swimming, we propose that stylonurines migrated to Gondwana as the Rheic Ocean dwindled while Gondwana rapidly approached Laurussia. An additional specimen from this locality is described, and can be assigned to the eurypterine family Pterygotidae. Based on the environmental analysis, it can be inferred that the eurypterids from South China underwent adaptations to cope with decreasing salinity levels. This discovery provides valuable insights into the timing and mechanisms underlying eurypterid invasion into freshwater ecosystems.