Ancient Sponge Discovery May Rewrite the Origins of Animal Life

Ancient Sponge Discovery May Rewrite the Origins of Animal Life

A newly identified sponge order, Vilesida, produces sterols linked to the oldest-known animal biomarkers, supporting the idea that animals evolved earlier than previously believed. Researchers at the Museum of Evolution at Uppsala University have identified a previously unknown order of marine sponges named Vilesida. These sponges produce chemical compounds that could potentially be useful in [...]

Why does Vilesida rewrite animal origins?

Tiny sponges, big consequences for the tree of life Scientists have described a newly identified order of sponges, termed Vilesida, that produces the same class of sterol molecules long used by geochemists as the oldest biomarkers for animal life. Sterols are lipid molecules whose structures can…