Spider age of 410 million years “came back” to life

Ancient spider-like insect that lived 410 million years ago and was the first predator on Earth can move again, at least on the computer screen. Scientists led by Russell Garwood of the University of Manchester in the UK, have analyzed fossils discovered in Scotland, and reconstructed the movement of the Trigonotarbid species.

When considering arthropod remains under the microscope, paleontologists were able to reconstruct the arrangement of muscles that allows to calculate the range of motion of a predator. According to study co-author Jason Dunlop, a modern 3D technology is able to recreate the movement of the oldest creatures in the style of “Jurassic Park”.

Information about 3D computer reconstruction of the Trigonotarbid was published in a special issue of the journal of Paleontology, dedicated to the imaging of ancient fossils.

Author Eugene Kadyshev

Source: globalscience.ru