Tullimonstrum: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:53, 9 February 2025

Extinct genus of soft-bodied bilaterian

Tullimonstrum, commonly known as the Tully monster, is an extinct genus of soft-bodied bilaterian that lived approximately 300 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian period. It is known from the Mazon Creek fossil beds of Illinois, United States. The only known species is Tullimonstrum gregarium.

Description

Tullimonstrum was a soft-bodied creature, typically measuring about 30 to 35 centimeters in length. It had a long, segmented body with a proboscis ending in a claw-like structure with eight small teeth. The creature's eyes were set on stalks, which extended laterally from the body. The exact nature of Tullimonstrum's anatomy and its classification within the animal kingdom have been subjects of debate among paleontologists.

Discovery and Naming

The first fossils of Tullimonstrum were discovered in 1955 by Francis Tully, an amateur fossil collector, in the Mazon Creek fossil beds. The unusual nature of the fossils led to the creature being informally referred to as the "Tully monster." In 1966, the species was formally described and named Tullimonstrum gregarium by paleontologist Eugene Richardson.

Classification

The classification of Tullimonstrum has been controversial. Initially, it was difficult to place within any known group of animals. Some studies have suggested it might be related to mollusks, while others have proposed affinities with vertebrates. In 2016, a study suggested that Tullimonstrum was a vertebrate, possibly related to lampreys, based on the presence of a notochord and other features. However, this interpretation has been challenged by subsequent research.

Paleoecology

Tullimonstrum lived in a coastal estuarine environment, which was part of a large delta system during the Pennsylvanian period. The Mazon Creek area was characterized by a warm, humid climate and supported a diverse array of plant and animal life. Tullimonstrum likely occupied a niche as a predator or scavenger, using its proboscis to capture prey or feed on detritus.

Fossil Record

The fossils of Tullimonstrum are primarily found in the Mazon Creek fossil beds, which are renowned for their exceptional preservation of soft-bodied organisms. The fossils are preserved in ironstone concretions, which formed rapidly around the decaying organisms, allowing for detailed preservation of soft tissues.

Images

Related pages

References

McCoy, V. E., et al. (2016). "The 'Tully monster' is a vertebrate." Nature.
Mikami, T., et al. (2023). "New insights into the anatomy of Tullimonstrum." Journal of Paleontology.

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-'''Tullimonstrum''', commonly known as the '''Tully Monster''', is an extinct genus of soft-bodied bilaterian that lived approximately 307 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian subperiod of the Carboniferous period. Its fossils are exclusively found in the Mazon Creek fossil beds of Illinois, USA. The Tully Monster remains one of the most enigmatic and peculiar fossils ever discovered, leading to extensive debate regarding its phylogenetic classification.
+{{short description|Extinct genus of soft-bodied bilaterian}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+'''Tullimonstrum''', commonly known as the '''Tully monster''', is an extinct genus of soft-bodied bilaterian that lived approximately 300 million years ago during the [[Pennsylvanian]] period. It is known from the [[Mazon Creek fossil beds]] of [[Illinois]], United States. The only known species is '''''Tullimonstrum gregarium'''''.
 ==Description==
-Tullimonstrum was characterized by its long, tubular body, which ended in a tail fin. Its most distinctive feature was a long, proboscis-like appendage that extended from the front of its body, terminating in a mouth with sharp teeth. This creature also possessed a pair of stalked eyes, which were situated on either side of its body, providing it with a wide field of vision. The body of Tullimonstrum was segmented, suggesting some degree of flexibility and mobility.
+''Tullimonstrum'' was a soft-bodied creature, typically measuring about 30 to 35 centimeters in length. It had a long, segmented body with a proboscis ending in a claw-like structure with eight small teeth. The creature's eyes were set on stalks, which extended laterally from the body. The exact nature of ''Tullimonstrum'''s anatomy and its classification within the animal kingdom have been subjects of debate among paleontologists.
+==Discovery and Naming==
+The first fossils of ''Tullimonstrum'' were discovered in 1955 by Francis Tully, an amateur fossil collector, in the Mazon Creek fossil beds. The unusual nature of the fossils led to the creature being informally referred to as the "Tully monster." In 1966, the species was formally described and named ''Tullimonstrum gregarium'' by paleontologist Eugene Richardson.
 ==Classification==
-The classification of Tullimonstrum has been a subject of debate among paleontologists. Initially, it was difficult to place the Tully Monster within the established tree of life due to its unique morphological features. Over the years, various hypotheses have been proposed, including affiliations with mollusks, arthropods, and even vertebrates. Recent studies, particularly those involving the analysis of its eye structure and the chemical composition of its fossils, suggest that Tullimonstrum may have been a vertebrate, possibly related to lampreys or other jawless fish. However, the lack of definitive evidence means that its exact place in the tree of life remains uncertain.
+The classification of ''Tullimonstrum'' has been controversial. Initially, it was difficult to place within any known group of animals. Some studies have suggested it might be related to [[mollusks]], while others have proposed affinities with [[vertebrates]]. In 2016, a study suggested that ''Tullimonstrum'' was a vertebrate, possibly related to [[lampreys]], based on the presence of a notochord and other features. However, this interpretation has been challenged by subsequent research.
-==Habitat==
+==Paleoecology==
-The Tully Monster inhabited a shallow, marine environment that was part of a large coastal estuary system. The Mazon Creek area, where its fossils are found, was a tropical estuary that supported a diverse ecosystem, including various plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The presence of Tullimonstrum in this environment suggests it was a predator or scavenger, feeding on small organisms or organic debris.
+''Tullimonstrum'' lived in a coastal estuarine environment, which was part of a large delta system during the Pennsylvanian period. The Mazon Creek area was characterized by a warm, humid climate and supported a diverse array of plant and animal life. ''Tullimonstrum'' likely occupied a niche as a predator or scavenger, using its proboscis to capture prey or feed on detritus.
 ==Fossil Record==
-Fossils of Tullimonstrum are primarily found in the Mazon Creek fossil beds, a Lagerstätte known for its exceptional preservation of soft-bodied organisms. The unique conditions of the Mazon Creek area allowed for the rapid burial and mineralization of organisms, preserving fine details of their anatomy. Tullimonstrum fossils are among the most iconic and well-studied specimens from this site.
+The fossils of ''Tullimonstrum'' are primarily found in the Mazon Creek fossil beds, which are renowned for their exceptional preservation of soft-bodied organisms. The fossils are preserved in ironstone concretions, which formed rapidly around the decaying organisms, allowing for detailed preservation of soft tissues.
-==Scientific Significance==
+==Images==
-The Tully Monster holds significant scientific interest due to its unusual morphology and the mystery surrounding its classification. Its study provides insights into the diversity of life during the Carboniferous period and the evolutionary history of soft-bodied organisms. Additionally, Tullimonstrum is an important symbol of Illinois, having been designated as the state fossil in 1989.
+[[File:Tullimonstrum_gregarium_4334.JPG|thumb|Fossil of ''Tullimonstrum gregarium'']]
+[[File:Tullimonstrum_Johnson_1969.png|thumb|Illustration of ''Tullimonstrum'']]
+[[File:Tullimonstrum_gregarium_343.JPG|thumb|Another fossil specimen of ''Tullimonstrum'']]
+[[File:Tullimonstrum_McCoy_et_al_2016.png|thumb|Reconstruction of ''Tullimonstrum'' as a vertebrate]]
+[[File:Tullimonstrum_Mikami_et_al_2023.png|thumb|Recent study illustration of ''Tullimonstrum'']]
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
 * [[Mazon Creek fossil beds]]
-* [[Lagerstätte]]
+* [[Pennsylvanian (geology)]]
-* [[Carboniferous period]]
 * [[Vertebrate]]
-* [[Lamprey]]
 ==References==
-<references/>
+* McCoy, V. E., et al. (2016). "The 'Tully monster' is a vertebrate." ''Nature''.
+* Mikami, T., et al. (2023). "New insights into the anatomy of ''Tullimonstrum''." ''Journal of Paleontology''.
 [[Category:Prehistoric animals of North America]]
-[[Category:Carboniferous fish]]
+[[Category:Carboniferous animals]]
-[[Category:Enigmatic taxonomic groups]]
+[[Category:Fossil taxa described in 1966]]
-[[Category:Fossils of the United States]]
-{{Paleontology-stub}}