Fossilized Brain of the World's Earliest Known Predator (IMAGE)

University of Arizona

Fossilized Brain of the World's Earliest Known Predator

Caption

This photograph and corresponding drawing show the flattened, fossilized trace of the brain of the world's earliest known predator; the X-like structure in the head denotes the fossilized brain. Two dark round spots represent the optic ganglia with nerves that lead from the eyestalks into the head. The smaller, almond-shaped areas just in front would have innervated the creature's grasping appendage. The main brain region is in front of the mouth, giving rise to two nerve cords leading down along the animal's body.

Credit

Photo by Peiyun Cong; drawing by Nicholas Strausfeld

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