Ancient Spider Reveals Evolution of Eyes in Arachnids

Ancient Spider Reveals Evolution of Eyes in Arachnids

Article Link:

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2014/04/10/ancient_spider_images_reveal_eyeopening_secrets.html

Article Summary:

 The primitive fossilised 305-million-year-old arachnid, named Hastocularis argus, was found in eastern France. Unlike modern day spiders who only have one set of median eyes (eyes found on the center of the body), Hastocularis argus two sets of eyes - both median and lateral (eyes of the side of the body). 

   Scientists at the University of Manchester's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences are the ones who studied this Hastocularis argus found. This team of scientists support their evidence by the examining of an 'eye stalk' gene in living harvestmen and found that in a modern harvestmen embryo. This shows a hint of a now-lost lateral eye. Because of these results, some fundamental questions in the evolutionary history of these organisms remain unsolved.

NOS Themes:

• Observation - The group of scientists observed the 'eye stalk' gene.
• Living Things are Based on a Genetic Code - The 'eye stalk' gene is included in the Hastocularis argus DNA.
• Evolution - This new information about the 'eye stalk' gene will help scientists learn more about the evolutionary history of the Hastocularis argus to modern arachnids. 

                        This is the 305-million-year-old harvestmen fossil.