Researchers Identify 324-Million-Year-Old Insect Fossil
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Researchers identified a probable early-diverging insect on August 26 and published a study online that same day. The fossil dates to approximately 324 million years ago and features paddle-like structures on its abdomen, Scientific Daily said. Scientists used cross-polarized light imaging to examine the specimen.
Nature News said the finding helps bridge the hexapod gap. The Science Daily account described the fossil as a potential evolutionary link between aquatic ancestors and insects. That report further noted that insects gradually colonized terrestrial environments.