Sprecher
Beschreibung
The Rhynie cherts (~407 Ma), a Devonian hydrothermal hot spring system, contains the most complete early terrestrial ecosystem (Garwood et al., 2020; Rice et al., 2002). Taxonomically diverse fossilised arthropods (Dunlop & Garwood, 2018) within the cherts are preserved in a precipitated silica sinter in cellular detail, providing unparalleled insight into the form and function of early terrestrial communities.
Here, we utilise non-destructive high-resolution 3D imaging of Rhynie chert thin section collections to assess microscopic arthropod sensory structures. We identify a new structure within the hairs of Palaeocharinid Trigonotarbids, revealing a chemosensory lifestyle for the earth’s oldest terrestrial predator, revising our understanding of how the first terrestrial arthropods adapted to life on land.