The fossil record of early vertebrates is not very clear. Many of these ancient creatures were soft-bodied, making fossilization a rare event. Even when fossils are found, they often look quite different from their original forms due to compression.
This lack of clarity makes studying early vertebrate evolution tough, a crucial phase in the history of life on Earth. However, new imaging techniques are providing exciting glimpses into our soft-bodied ancestors from over 440 million years ago.
Recently, researchers from the University of Manchester published a study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. They used a high-tech method called synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging to analyze fossils of two species of ancient jawless fish: Jamoytius and Lasanius. These fossils were discovered near Lesmahagow, south of Glasgow, and date back to around 443 million years ago.
What’s fascinating about their findings is that the X-ray imaging revealed some of the earliest evidence of complex eyes in vertebrates. It also indicated the presence of bone-like tissues, challenging the notion that these fish were rudimentary. According to co-author Roy Wogelius, the study captured images of sophisticated “camera-type” eyes, providing insights into the evolution of vision in vertebrates.
The team discovered traces of zinc and copper in the eyes of Jamoytius, suggesting a developed retina and pigment layer. This detail highlights the advanced nature of these early creatures and shows they weren’t as primitive as once believed.
Interestingly, another recent study published in Nature found even older evidence of camera-like eyes in a different group of ancient fish, showing that significant developments in vision began long before vertebrates fully emerged. The myllokunmingids, which lived 518 million years ago, had four eyes—two on either side and two on top—indicating a complex ability to perceive visual images.
Together, these studies enrich our understanding of vertebrate evolution. Although these creatures looked vastly different from modern animals, their advanced features reveal a striking connection to our own evolution. Some traits, like sophisticated eyes, have persisted through vast changes over hundreds of millions of years.
This evolving field of study highlights how technology can unearth new information from poorly preserved fossils, resolving debates that have lasted for centuries. With every new discovery, our picture of early vertebrate history becomes clearer, showing us how life has evolved over time.
For more insights on vertebrate evolution, you might check the official publication here and read about overlapping research on early eye evolution here.
