Tiny 'vampires': Paleobiologist finds evidence of predation in ancient microbial ecosystems
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 - 21:31
in Paleontology & Archaeology
A paleobiologist has found evidence of predation in ancient microbial ecosystems dating back more than 740 million years. Using a scanning electron microscope to examine minute fossils, Porter found perfectly circular drill holes that may have been formed by an ancient relation of Vampyrellidae amoebae. These single-celled creatures perforate the walls of their prey and reach inside to consume its cell contents.