new species of ancient creature discovered

Phallus-shaped fossils identified as new species

By Michelle Warwicker Reporter, BBC Nature

Scientists have revealed insights into a peculiar, phallus-shaped creature discovered at a fossil site in Canada.The animal has been identified as Spartobranchus tenuis, a species from the Cambrian period that was previously unknown to science.The odd-looking creature was an ancient relative of acorn worms that exist today, according to researchers.Their study, published in the journal Nature, is the first full description of the prehistoric animal.Remains of soft-bodied worms were found in the Burgess Shale fossil beds in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada throughout the last century.

Read more see pics here :http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21745029