This Leech Had an Appetite for Something Other Than Blood
A 437-million-year-old fossil discovered in Wisconsin may be the oldest known species of leech, according to researchers. The fossil, which measures approximately 1 inch in length, exhibits features characteristic of modern leeches, such as a segmented body and a sucker-like mouth. Interestingly, the fossil does not appear to have been feeding on blood, as might be expected. Instead, the researchers believe the leech may have been a predator or scavenger, feeding on other small invertebrates. This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of leeches and the ancient ecosystems in which they thrived. The study of this ancient fossil can help scientists better understand the diversity and adaptations of leeches throughout their long evolutionary history.
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