探索5亿年前的“骨头密码” 西大科研团队揭秘动物骨骼起源

Core Insights - The research conducted by a team from Northwest University reveals evidence of how early animals controlled bone growth through epithelial tissue, significantly enhancing the understanding of early animal evolution [1][5][9] Group 1: Research Findings - The study focused on the open-cavity bone fragments from the Cambrian period, specifically from the Monkey Mountain Formation in North China, and was published in the journal GEOLOGY [1][5] - The team discovered polygonal organic frameworks enveloping phosphate cores in the fossils, indicating a complex structure similar to modern mollusks [3][7] - The findings suggest that the ability to control skeletal mineralization originated much earlier than previously thought, with evidence pointing to a sophisticated mechanism in early animals [7][8] Group 2: Historical Context - Prior to this research, the earliest known records of mineralized skeletons dated back to 560-520 million years ago during the Cambrian explosion, with traditional views linking the emergence of skeletons to predator-prey dynamics [3][4] - The study challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between open-cavity bones and sponge-like organisms, establishing that these fossils belong to a distinct group of true metazoans [8][9] Group 3: Methodology - The research utilized advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, micro-CT, and transmission electron microscopy to analyze the microstructures of the fossils [7] - The interdisciplinary approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the mineralization processes in early animal life, marking a significant advancement in paleobiology [9]