Ancient 324-Million-Year-Old Insect Fossil Reveals Aquatic Origins

324-million-year-old insect still had swimming paddles

A remarkable fossil unearthed in Texas sheds light on the evolutionary journey of insects transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial life. This ancient species featured paddle-like limbs designed for swimming and additional legs on its abdomen, indicating a semi-aquatic lifestyle in shallow coastal regions. This find is crucial in understanding the slow, gradual adaptations insects underwent over millions of years in their evolutionary history.

By TOI Science Desk