Paleontologists discover a 500-million-year-old, 3-eyed predator

Npr - May 17th, 2025
Open on Npr

Paleontologists have unearthed a fossil of Mosura fentoni, nicknamed the 'sea moth,' in the Burgess Shale of the Canadian Rockies, dating back over 500 million years. This unique creature, discovered by researchers from the Manitoba Museum and Royal Ontario Museum, had a pencil sharpener-like mouth, three eyes, and jointed claws resembling Edward Scissorhands. The Mosura's 16-segmented body lined with gills, open circulatory system, and swimming flaps provide new insights into the complexity of radiodonts, a group of extinct arthropods.

This discovery plays a significant role in understanding the Cambrian period's biodiversity and the evolution of life on Earth. It highlights the adaptability and specialization of early arthropods, challenging previous assumptions about radiodonts' evolutionary history. According to Stewart Edie from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Mosura's complex structure indicates that even before the Cambrian Explosion, life was diversifying rapidly. This finding adds depth to our understanding of evolutionary processes and the development of major animal groups.

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RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story about the discovery of *Mosura fentoni* is a well-researched and accurate piece that effectively communicates the significance of this paleontological find. It excels in accuracy and source quality, drawing from credible experts and institutions, and provides a balanced perspective by including multiple expert voices. The article is timely and engages readers with vivid descriptions and relatable analogies, although it could enhance transparency by detailing research methodologies and limitations. While the story is accessible and engaging, its broader impact and public interest may be limited to those already interested in evolutionary science. Overall, the article is a reliable and informative account of an exciting scientific discovery, though it could benefit from exploring alternative viewpoints and broader implications to increase its impact and controversy potential.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is highly accurate, with its main claims well-supported by scientific sources. The discovery of *Mosura fentoni*, its anatomical features, and its significance in understanding Cambrian biodiversity are all verified by multiple scientific publications. The descriptions of the creature's physical characteristics, such as its three eyes, circular mouth, and segmented body, align with the findings reported by paleontologists. The story also accurately attributes the discovery to researchers at the Manitoba Museum and Royal Ontario Museum, corroborated by the cited studies. There are no significant inaccuracies, although the story could benefit from more direct citations to the scientific paper itself for enhanced precision.

8
Balance

The story provides a balanced perspective by incorporating quotes from multiple experts, including the lead study author and an independent paleobiologist. This approach offers a well-rounded view of the discovery's significance. However, the article could improve by including perspectives from other paleontologists who might offer alternative interpretations or additional context on the evolutionary implications. While the story effectively highlights the discovery's importance, it primarily focuses on the scientific excitement without exploring potential controversies or differing viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that effectively communicates the discovery's significance. The structure is logical, beginning with the main discovery and then elaborating on its implications. The use of vivid descriptions, such as comparing the creature to 'Edward Scissorhands,' helps engage readers and enhance understanding. However, the story could benefit from more detailed explanations of scientific terms for readers less familiar with paleontology.

9
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including the Manitoba Museum and Royal Ontario Museum, reputable institutions in the field of paleontology. The inclusion of quotes from experts like Joe Moysiuk and Stewart Edie adds authority to the reporting. The story's reliance on a recently published paper in the journal Royal Society Open Science further enhances its reliability. However, the article could improve by directly referencing the journal article for readers interested in exploring the primary research.

7
Transparency

The story provides sufficient context about the discovery and its implications for understanding Cambrian biodiversity. It clearly attributes information to specific experts and institutions, enhancing transparency. However, the article lacks detailed explanations of the research methodology or any potential conflicts of interest. Including more information about how the fossil was analyzed and any limitations of the study would improve transparency and provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the research process.

Sources

  1. https://www.livescience.com/animals/extinct-species/half-a-billion-year-old-3-eyed-sea-creature-dubbed-mosura-breathed-through-big-gills-on-its-butt
  2. https://www.sci.news/paleontology/mosura-fentoni-13906.html
  3. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2025/may/new-species-ancient-cambrian-predator-named-after-mothra.html
  4. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-paleontologists-million-year-predator.html
  5. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw-IlWNm8V/