The first is that these invertebrates likely did indeed all descend from a common ancestor, which may have lived in the ocean, since most very early life forms existed in water. The second is that dinosaurs probably weren't the first animals that could have used a flea or, in this case, mite and tick collar. "The general consensus is that mites and ticks became parasites on reptiles, but maybe this happened on amphibians, since they were around when ticks emerged," Hoy said, pointing out that amphibians to this day can be plagued by parasites. Ohio State University entomologist Hans Klompen, who studies mite evolution, said the new findings would help researchers like him in future. "I think this is a great start," he said. "Now we have something specific to test, and that's always a good thing." Both he and the University of Florida scientists hope that even more fossils and genetic information will further pinpoint when arachnids emerged, ideally providing specific time frames for particular species within the group. "Ours is the first divergence time estimate for spiders, scorpions, mites and ticks, but it won't be the final word on the matter," Hoy said. "The main point is that these arachnids are far more ancient than any of us had ever before realized." Related Links: |
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