Queensland has recently become the site of a remarkable paleontological discovery: the identification of a new ancient fish species, Palaeospondylus australis. This specimen, unearthed from the 400-million-year-old limestone deposits of the Georgina Basin in western Queensland, is believed to be one of the smallest known vertebrate fossils in Australia.
The fossil's exceptional preservation in three dimensions offers unprecedented insights into the creature's skeletal structure. This level of detail is particularly significant, as previous Palaeospondylus fossils from Scotland are typically compressed, with skeletal elements fused together, limiting anatomical analysis.
The initial discovery dates back to 2010 when a braincase was found, confirming the presence of P. australis and marking the first instance of this genus outside Scotland. Subsequent excavations have revealed additional fossils, including a nearly complete braincase, providing valuable information about the fish's internal structures.
Analysis indicates that P. australis retained many larval characteristics, suggesting a unique evolutionary position. Its features hint at a distant relationship to modern sharks, offering a potential link between ancient and contemporary vertebrate species.
This discovery not only enriches Queensland's fossil record but also enhances our understanding of early vertebrate evolution. It positions Queensland as home to both Australia's largest and smallest known ancient species, highlighting the region's paleontological significance.
Photo credit: Queensland Museum Kurilpa
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