We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

This Predatory Jellyfish Lived Before Plants Had Even Evolved

The annals of early animal evolution now include a major new figure, a jellyfish that hunted the oceans more than 500 million years ago.

By Matt Hrodey
Aug 9, 2023 3:30 PM
Oldest jellyfish
B. phasmiformis, the world's oldest jellyfish. (Credit: Christian Mccall)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Half a billion years ago, in the earliest days of animal life, there were few undersea predators. A strange shrimp-like creature that grew up to 6 feet in length and wielded twin claws served as top predator. Meanwhile, small chaetognath worms snapped at prey with a mouth that bristled with spines.

But these sparse ranks have just gotten a little less sparse.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.