Aquasaurs and other prehistoric “shrimp”: distribution and predators

Anostraca, Conchostraca and Notostraca (including triops) are all small crustaceans (Pancrustacea) that have changed little over geological eras. The term “living fossils” has been the subject of some debate, often unnecessarily tied to scientific formalities – for the purposes of communication, it is a valuable aspect, particularly as an oxymoron. Nevertheless, there are valid objections as to the extent to which the adaptations for extreme survival (in dry mud up to over 20 years) can be extrapolated to fossil representatives. In any case, their general morphologies were successful for many millions of years. The same applies to the diverse and highly efficient ways of egg distribution (left: wind and water, in mud on animal hair or feathers, in the digestive tract of aquatic animals, nowadays on human vectors). The enormous meaning as a food source also goes through the ages (right: filter-feeding large predators, insect larvae, small amphibians, other small crustaceans).

digital painting, 2024

exhibition URZEITKREBSE, Urweltmuseum GEOSKOP Burg Lichtenberg (Palatinate)