When Giant Millipedes Reigned

The video discusses the discovery of a giant millipede fossil, Arthroplura, on Howick Beach. This fossil is the largest arthropod ever found, dating back to the Carboniferous period. Despite low oxygen levels at the time, the millipede's size was attributed to a lack of predators and competition. The video explores the ecological factors that allowed such gigantism and the eventual extinction of these creatures due to environmental changes and rising competition from vertebrates.

What was the significance of the fossil found on Howick Beach?

• It was the first evidence of life on land.

• It was the largest known invertebrate fossil ever discovered.

• It was the first fossil of a millipede ever found.

• It was the oldest fossil found in the UK.

What is Arthroplura known for?

• Being a carnivorous dinosaur.

• Being the smallest arthropod.

• Being one of the largest arthropods.

• Having a fossil record only in Asia.

Why was the size of Arthroplura surprising given the oxygen levels at the time?

• Oxygen levels were too low to support any life.

• Oxygen levels were similar to today's levels.

• Oxygen levels were irrelevant to its size.

• Oxygen levels were much higher than today.

What ecological advantage did Arthroplura have during its time?

• It had no predators or competitors.

• It was the only herbivore.

• It could fly.

• It lived in water.

What was a likely component of Arthroplura's diet?

• Only other arthropods.

• Nutrient-rich seeds and possibly small animals.

• Exclusively aquatic plants.

• Only small mammals.

What was a significant factor in Arthroplura's ability to grow large?

• High oxygen levels.

• Its aquatic habitat.

• Its ability to fly.

• Lack of competition and predators.

What major changes contributed to the extinction of Arthroplura?

• A sudden drop in oxygen levels.

• The formation of Pangaea and competition from reptiles.

• The rise of mammals and birds.

• A meteor impact.