Scientists Found One of The 'Chunkiest' Squid-Like Creatures Ever Known
Paleontologists have discovered a new species of Jurassic cephalopod named Wyoteuthis linsterorum in Wyoming. The creature is notable for having an unusually thick, 'chunky' internal shell compared to other belemnites of the era.
Why it matters
This discovery provides new insights into the diversity of prehistoric marine life and the evolutionary history of cephalopods.
Paleontologists have identified an entirely new Jurassic squid-like creature from a pair of fossils retrieved from the bed of an ancient inland sea in Wyoming.
They say it's one of the "chunkiest known species" of its prehistoric group.
Wyoteuthis linsterorum is the species name, in recognition of seasoned fossil collector Cliff Linster, who discovered one of the fossils, but passed away earlier this year. It's the only Wyoteuthis species so far.
The species has made its scientific debut in the journal Papers in Palaeontology .
Wyoteuthis is a member of an extinct order of cephalopods, belemnites, that proliferated during the Jurassic. Their living relatives include octopuses and squids.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in