Scientist describes toothy microfossils

PhysOrg ^ | October 29, 2010 | Unknown

[decimon]

They had rows of sharp, interlocking conical teeth that, while not affixed to a jaw like we know, would rake prey into their mouths kind of like the creature in the movie "Alien."

Though scientists have long known about conodonts from their fossilized teeth, Texas Tech University graduate student Nicole Peavey said only recently have scientists begun to understand these enigmatic and relatively successful creatures.

She will discuss them and how recent findings may require new names for different species at a poster session Monday (Nov. 1) at the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Denver.

“Conodonts are marginally related to fish, but not really fish like we think of them,” Peavey said. “They’re kind of like eels or hagfish or lampreys, but different. They may be close in shape and lifestyle, but it’s not a perfect comparison. That’s like comparing a modern mammal to a dinosaur. Conodonts went extinct at the end of the Triassic period, about the time dinosaurs were evolving. The group is gone, which makes them very mysterious. They don’t have any living relatives to compare them to.”

[decimon]

Via SunkenCiv

[decimon]

Ping

[SunkenCiv]

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[1010RD]

conodonts...relatively successful creatures...went extinct at the end of the Triassic period

I suppose all success is relative.

[SunkenCiv]

Ah, but the conodon’ts were doomed to extinction by their name. The conondoos, otoh...

[1010RD]

Well, now you’ve stepped in the conodo-do and more of this will get us both banned.

[SunkenCiv]

Conodo... isn’t that the island with those ‘dragons’? Or maybe I’m thinking of that big nation north of here.

[1010RD]

No, no, no. Conodo Island is where Godzilla lives and Conodians look like Americans, but have a funny accent and vote looney.

[Pelham]

That’s Kamada.

[wildbill]

I feel cheated. No pics?

I’d think at least one picture of Helen Thomas, the original ‘toothy microfossil’ would surface in this thread.

[colorado tanker]

Or maybe I’m thinking of that big nation north of here.

Had too many of those Tim Horton's conodonuts?

[SunkenCiv]

[virtual ticker tape parade down the canyon of heroes for ct]

[SunkenCiv]

This thread is USEFUL without pictures. ;’)

[SunkenCiv]

Kamada deer — they have ‘em in Canada.