"Ancient Parasite's 500-Million-Year Reign Threatens Today's Ocean Life"

A groundbreaking study reveals that a destructive Worm parasites life cycle began 480 million years ago, affecting todays Oyster populations and highlighting the long-term impact of Parasitism on Marine life.

• Researchers from UC Riverside, led by palaeobiologist Karma Nanglu, discovered ancient Fossil shells in Morocco, showing traces of a Polychaete Worm parasite dated back 480 million years.
• The study identified distinctive question mark-shaped markings on the exoskeletons of ancient shells, illustrating the long-lasting effects of Parasitism on modern Oyster populations and Marine life.
• This research emphasizes the ongoing threat of ancient parasites, like the one examined, to contemporary Ocean ecosystems, raising concerns about their potential impact on biodiversity and marine health.