These 'Fossilized Brains' Might Not Be Brains At All

The transcript discusses the discovery of fossilized tissues in ancient arthropods, initially thought to be brain and nervous system tissues. A new study suggests these are actually biofilms, challenging previous evolutionary hypotheses. The study of brine shrimp decay supports this biofilm theory. Additionally, a reevaluation of ichthyosaur fossils suggests they might have been larger than previously thought, potentially rivaling the blue whale as the largest animal ever.

What did the previous study on brine shrimp reveal about the decomposition process?

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How might paleontologists need to adjust their understanding of ancient arthropods based on the new findings?

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What implications does the new bone fragment have for the understanding of the size of ichthyosaurs?

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