Scientists discover "once-in-a-generation" fossilized water bear in 16-million-year-old amber [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

BY LI COHEN

OCTOBER 6, 2021 / 11:32 AM / CBS NEWS

Microscopic eight-legged invertebrates that resemble squishy bears are among the toughest creatures on Earth, with the ability to survive decades without food, extreme temperatures and even in the vacuum of space. Fossils of the creatures are extremely rare, with only two being found in history — until now.

In a new study published on Wednesday, researchers said they have discovered a 16-million-year-old fossil of a tardigrade, otherwise known as a water bear or moss piglet, in a piece of amber from the Dominican Republic. There have been just two fossils of the creatures ever found before, despite the invertebrates continued inhabitance of the planet.

The latest discovery is the first tardigrade fossil to be recovered from the current Cenozoic era, which began 66 million years ago, and has led to the naming of a new genus and species of tardigrade, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus.

The creature is believed to be the best-imaged fossil tardigrade to date. Researchers were able to get a detailed look at the creature, seeing parts of its mouth and the needle-like claws that are 20 to 30 times finer than a human hair.

More:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scientists-fossilized-tardigrade-water-bear-amber/?intcid=CNI-00-10aaa3b