A Cluster Of Fossilised Creatures That Looks Like Aliens!

The discovery of fossilized creatures that appear otherworldly often sparks curiosity and wonder. Among these fascinating finds is the Jimbacrinus bostocki, a crinoid fossil discovered in Western Australia. The Jimbacrinus bostocki stands out due to its complex structure, which includes a stalk and a crown, giving it a unique and alien-like look.

Jimbacrinus bostocki belongs to a group known as crinoids, or sea lilies, which have existed for hundreds of millions of years. Crinoids are not plants, as some might think due to their plant-like appearance. Instead, they are echinoderms, related to modern starfish and sea urchins. The scientists date these fossils to be 280 million years old. Let us take a closer look at this remarkable find and its implications.

Discovery of the fossilized alien-like creatures

The Jimbacrinus bostocki fossils were first unearthed in 1949 by Mr. J. Bostock, who managed the Jimba Jimba cattle station in Western Australia. The genus name, Jimbacrinus, reflects the property where the fossils were found, while the species name honors Mr. Bostock for his role in the discovery. German-American paleontologist Curt Teichert from the University of Melbourne said in 1954; “The discovery of these fossils was a significant contribution to paleontology, highlighting the rich marine life of the Permian period”

Following their discovery, the fossils were collected by field geologists from the Bureau of Geology and transported to Melbourne for further study. The initial paper describing these fossils was published in the Journal of Palaeontology in January 1954 by Curt Teichert. This publication provided a detailed account of the fossils’ structure and significance, furthering our understanding of ancient marine ecosystems.

Historical Significance

The Jimbacrinus bostocki fossils come from the Cundlego Formation, a sandstone deposit formed approximately 275 million years ago. Flooding and storm events during the Early Permian created this formation. The Cundlego Formation is notable for its well-preserved fossilized remains of bottom-dwelling species from that era. “The Cundlego Formation provides a snapshot of marine life before the Permian-Triassic extinction event, known as the ‘Great Dying’” says Teichert.

Scientists think that storm-driven ocean currents may have transported large groups of these species to deeper waters that were possibly anoxic or lacking oxygen. Scientists hypothesize that individuals in the mortality plate were “smothered by sediment and rapidly buried.”

The Permian-Triassic extinction event, which occurred around 252 million years ago, was the most severe in Earth’s history. It led to the loss of over 90% of marine species. It’s unknown what caused this catastrophic event. Still, NASA reports that “severe volcanism, a nearby supernova, environmental changes wrought by the formation of a super-continent, the devastating impact of a large asteroid — or some combination of these” might have caused this.

Rising global temperatures and increasing ocean acidity were major factors contributing to this extinction. “The Great Dying had profound effects on marine ecosystems, but some species, including a few crinoids, managed to survive,” says Teichert. Today, over 600 species of crinoids continue to exist, showcasing their resilience through one of the most challenging periods in Earth’s history.

Structure of the Jimbacrinus bostocki

The Jimbacrinus bostocki crinoid features a two-part structure: the stalk and the crown. The stalk, an essential component of the crinoid’s anatomy, serves as an anchor to the seafloor. It consists of flexible, hollow columnar discs connected by soft tissue. This structure allows the crinoid to remain securely attached while adapting to its environment. “The stalk is internally hollow, housing the nervous system and aiding in the absorption of oxygen through its thin-walled tube feet,” says Teichert.

The crown of these fossilised creatures includes the calyx and five feeding arms. The calyx is a cup-like structure that encases the crinoid’s vital organs, including the mouth and anus. The mouth is located on the upper surface of the calyx, surrounded by five arms. These arms are lined with pinnules, which are feathery, tentacle-like structures that help the crinoid capture plankton and small particles from the water. These pinnules are remarkably well-preserved in the fossil record, providing a clear view of the crinoid’s feeding mechanism. “The fine details of the pinnules offer significant insights into the feeding strategies of these ancient creatures,” says Teichert.

Specimens of Jimbacrinus bostocki can reach up to 22 cm in length. These well-preserved fossils are often considered museum-quality due to the detailed preservation of their structure.

Cultural Impact

Beyond their scientific significance, Jimbacrinus bostocki crinoids have had an unexpected cultural impact. The design of the crinoid fossils inspired the Sentinels in the Matrix movies. These robotic entities initially envisioned for various roles, evolved into formidable machines patrolling the Matrix.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Jimbacrinus bostocki is a remarkable example of fossilized creatures that appear alien yet offer valuable insights into ancient marine life. These fossils not only enhance our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems but also highlight the enduring allure of ancient life forms. As we study these ancient remnants, we gain a deeper appreciation of the resilience and diversity of life on Earth.

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