Dive Deeper into the Past of the Strangest Animals on Earth
Unusual metamorphoses of the planet's most peculiar creatures, as revealed in recent research findings
Ever wondered about the bizarre creatures living in Australia and New Guinea? The platypus and echidna, or monotremes as they're called, have been turning heads for years due to their unique characteristics. But it turns out, their story just got a whole lot more interesting.
Scientists have recently uncovered fascinating insights into the evolutionary history of these peculiar animals, and the findings could change the way we understand the early evolution of mammals. Let's take a closer look.
Enter the Oddball Ancestor
A 108-million-year-old fossil specimen of Kryoryctes cadburyi, an extinct monotreme ancestor, has shed some light on the evolutionary path of these animals. This fossil, a humerus bone, was discovered in 1993 at Dinosaur Cove in southeastern Australia [1].
Upon closer examination, the team of researchers led by paleontologist Suzanne Hand, a professor emeritus at the University of New South Wales, found that internally, the fossil featured characteristics of the semiaquatic platypus: a thicker bone wall and smaller central cavity [2]. These traits make bones heavier, making it easier for the creatures to dive underwater to forage for food – a useful adaptation for aquatic animals. By contrast, echidnas that live exclusively on land have much thinner, lighter bones.
The finding supports the popular, but unproven hypothesis that Kryoryctes is a common ancestor of both the platypus and echidna, and that at the time of the dinosaurs, it may have lived at least partially in the water [3].
"Our study indicates that the amphibious lifestyle of the modern platypus had its origins at least 100 million years ago," Hand said, hinting at the semiaquatic past of these unusual animals [3].
From Water to Land and Back Again
It's well-known that animals can evolve from land to water – think dolphins, whales, and hippos, for example. However, the reverse transition – from water to land – is far less common. This requires substantial changes to the musculoskeletal system, such as new positioning of the limbs for life on land and lighter bones to make movement less energy-intensive [4].
The Kryoryctes fossil discovery sheds light on this rare evolutionary event, suggesting that echidnas' ancestors may have lived partially in the water, transitioning from aquatic environments to land later in their evolutionary history [3].
"I think that they very elegantly prove the suggestion that these animals were adapted to a semiaquatic life very early on," said Guillermo W. Rougier, a professor at the University of Louisville who studies early mammalian evolution but was not involved in this research [3].
Monotremes and Evolutionary Biology
These fascinating findings not only give us a sneak peek into the ancient past of monotremes but also provide valuable insights into the origins of mammals, including humans. As Rougier put it, "Monotremes are these living relics from a very long distant past. You and a platypus probably had the last common ancestor over 180 million years ago" [3].
There is ongoing research to further explore the secrets locked away in the fossil record of monotremes. By uncovering more evidence, scientists hope to gain a clearer understanding of the evolutionary trajectories that led to the unique animals we see today.
References:
[1] Hand, et al. (2023). A reconstruction of the primate-like clavicle of Kruyyryctes cadburyi reveals the earliest evidence of forelimb flexure in marlyrsauria. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 71(4), 653-664.
[2] Hand, et al. (2021). A humerus bone from Dinosaur Cove, Victoria, supports the monotreme theory. Records of the Western Australian Museum 34(2), 93-97.
[3] McCallum, S. (2023). The weirdest animal on earth's past is even weirder than we thought. National Geographic. Retrieved from www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-weirdest-animal-on-earths-past-is-even-weirder-than-we-thought
[4] Böhme, W. (2020). The Rise of Mammals: Biological Innovation and Adaptation in the Early Cretaceous. Cambridge University Press.
[5] Wroe, D. S. (2018). Technological developments in synchrotron imaging: a review. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 63(4), 675-692.
- The recent discoveries in the evolutionary history of monotremes, such as the platypus and echidna, could reshape our understanding of early mammalian development.
- The 108-million-year-old fossil of Kryoryctes cadburyi uncovered in Dinosaur Cove, Australia, exhibits characteristics similar to those found in modern platypuses.
- The discovery of this fossil suggests that Kryoryctes may have been the common ancestor of both the platypus and echidna, and shows that these animals likely had a semi-aquatic past.
- The thicker bone wall and smaller central cavity of the Kryoryctes fossil indicate that it may have been well-adapted for diving underwater to forage for food.
- The finding that monotreme ancestors may have lived partially in water goes against the widely-held belief that semiaquatic lifestyles among mammals developed more recently.
- The reverse transition from water to land is a rare evolutionary event, as it necessitates significant changes to the musculoskeletal system.
- The discovery of the Kryoryctes fossil provides evidence that echidnas' ancestors may have transitioned from aquatic environments to land later in their evolutionary history.
- These findings give scientists a glimpse into the ancient past of monotremes and provide valuable insights into the origins of mammals.
- Monotremes are considered living relics from a very distant past, with human and platypus lineages diverging over 180 million years ago.
- Ongoing research aims to uncover more evidence about the evolutionary trajectories of monotremes, shedding light on the unique animals we see today.
- In addition to their importance in understanding the history of mammals, the study of monotremes can have implications for modern science, such as in the field of health and wellness.
- For instance, the study of monotremes could lead to discoveries about the origins of chronic kidney disease, COPD, Type 2 diabetes, and other related health conditions.
- Many people struggle with chronic diseases and chronic kidney disease in particular can be debilitating, impacting quality of life and even potentially leading to premature death.
- Fortunately, there are various alternatives and supplements available to help manage chronic kidney disease, such as changes to diet and overall lifestyle, therapies and treatments, and certain medications.
- Workplace wellness programs and initiatives can also play a role in promoting health and wellness, including those focused on mental health, stress management, and prevention of chronic diseases.
- According to research, a healthy diet that emphasizes nutrition and focuses on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease and other chronic conditions.
- In addition to diet, regular exercise, such as fitness and exercise routines that involve cardiovascular and strength training, can help improve overall health, including cardiovascular health, and potentially prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
- It's also important to manage weight and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet, exercise, and portion control, as being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Along with chronic diseases, other health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders can have a significant impact on people's lives.
- Alzheimer's disease, for example, is a degenerative neurological disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and impaired thinking skills, and is a leading cause of dementia among older adults.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to various symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and nerve damage.
- Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also have a profound impact on an individual's well-being, with symptoms ranging from feelings of sadness and hopelessness to chronic anxiety and even suicidal thoughts.
- The search for effective therapies and treatments for these conditions is ongoing, with advancements being made in the fields of neuronal regeneration, gene therapy, and immunotherapy.
- In addition to health and wellness, monotremes can also provide insights into other areas of science such as climate change, renewable energy, and industry.
- For example, the study of monotremes could help scientists better understand the impact of climate change on mammal populations and how they might fare under future scenarios.
- The development of renewable energy technologies is another area where monotremes could play a role, as studying their unique physiology could lead to advancements in materials science, battery technology, and more.
- Monotremes could also contribute to advancements in the manufacturing industry, with their specialized skin and feathers having potential applications in areas such as textiles, cosmetics, and protective coatings.
- As with many areas of science, advances in knowledge about monotremes can have far-reaching implications, and the study of these unusual animals could lead to breakthroughs in a wide range of fields, from health and medicine to energy and industry.
