New Research Completes Millipede Evolutionary History, Dating Back 460 Million Years
New scientific findings have reportedly established the first comprehensive evolutionary history for all living millipede orders. This research traces their lineage back 460 million years, predating the arrival of vertebrates on land and hundreds of millions of years before dinosaurs. Millipedes are recognized as early decomposers that played a significant role in the establishment of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems.
New scientific findings have reportedly completed the first evolutionary history of all living millipede orders. This research dates the lineage of these arthropods back 460 million years.
This extensive timeline places millipedes on Earth long before vertebrates began walking on land. Their existence also predates the arrival of dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years.
As early decomposers, millipedes were instrumental in the development and establishment of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems. Despite their ancient history and ecological significance, scientists had not fully unraveled their complete evolutionary story until these latest findings.
(Source: Phys.org)
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