Mysterious 'sea
monster' plant fossil baffles scientists
450-million-year-old 'blob' was about 7 feet long and 3.5
feet wide
A mysterious fossil that has evoked images of a sea monster
roaming the shallow waters of prehistoric Cincinnati may not be the remains of
such a complex life form, but even so scientists are stumped as to what kind of
creature (or sea plant) it was.
The researchers, who presented the finding at a Geological
Society of America meeting in Dayton, Ohio, say one thing is sure: The
enigmatic "blob" — discovered in elliptical pieces that, when fitted
together, extended about 7 feet long and 3.5 feet wide — was once alive.
The team of scientists, along with the fossil hunter who
discovered the 450-million-year-old specimen, suggest a range of possibilities:
a type of huge algae or microbial mat, or even a member of the cnidarian
family, which includes jellyfish (though scientists concede the jellyfish idea
is highly unlikely).
Read rest see pics here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47179133/ns/technology_and_science-science/#.T5kYSKtYun8
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