Scientists Reclassify World's Oldest Octopus Fossil as Ancient Nautilus
A 300-million-year-old fossil previously recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest octopus has been reclassified as a relative of the nautilus. Lead researcher Thomas Clements from the University of Reading utilized synchrotron technology to examine the Pohlsepia mazonensis specimen found in Illinois. The analysis revealed a radula (tooth ribbon) with 11 teeth per row, whereas octopuses possess either seven or nine. This anatomical discrepancy confirmed the creature belongs to the nautiloid family, specifically matching the fossil Paleocadmus pohli. The original identification in 2000 had suggested octopuses evolved much earlier than the next known fossil at 90 million years old. Consequently, Guinness World Records will remove the title from this specimen, though the Field Museum in Chicago now holds the distinction for possessing the world's oldest soft tissue nautilus.
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Scientists Reclassify World's Oldest Octopus Fossil as Ancient Nautilus
A 300-million-year-old fossil previously recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest octopus has been reclassified as a relative of the nautilus. Lead researcher Thomas Clements from the University of Reading utilized synchrotron technology to examine the Pohlsepia mazonensis specimen found in Illinois. The analysis revealed a radula (tooth ribbon) with 11 teeth per row, whereas octopuses possess either seven or nine. This anatomical discrepancy confirmed the creature belongs to the nautiloid family, specifically matching the fossil Paleocadmus pohli. The original identification in 2000 had suggested octopuses evolved much earlier than the next known fossil at 90 million years old. Consequently, Guinness World Records will remove the title from this specimen, though the Field Museum in Chicago now holds the distinction for possessing the world's oldest soft tissue nautilus.
AP News