Most newly - discovered coinage are easy to classify . They have features that are very consistent with well - know organisms and they fit neatly into one category or another . Every so often , one comes along that leaves scientists wondering , “ What the hell is this thing ? ” type in gunpoint : Dendrogramma . This new genus representstwo species of rich - ocean animals that resemble mushroomsbut do n’t really fit in with any other known fauna . As a result , this being could bring fair large changes to the phyletic tree . The research was take by a team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the paper was release inPLOS ONE .
The 18 specimens were caught during an despatch in the Bass Strait , between Australia and Tasmania back in 1986 . Two samples were dredged up from depth of 400 and 1000 meters . The sample had been get and preserved , rendering them unable to undergo genetic analysis . However , the conservation process was not done particularly well , causing them to become bleached and shriveled . They turned brickle over time .
A and B are lateral views , C is an aboral view , D is an adoral thought . Image credit rating : Just et al .
They have a plane portion of the body that resemble the chapiter of a mushroom-shaped cloud , though it is only approximately 1 centimeter wide . This dower also hold back digestive tubes that are resonant of a mushroom cloud ’s gills . Measurements were made before shoplifting had arrange in . The end of the 2 - cm - long straw ( stem ) has an opening that is likely used for both eating and excretion .
These unique organisms were initially guess to belong to to the phylum Cnidaria , which contains true man-of-war , coral , and anemones . While there are some anatomical gadget characteristic that are similar to jellyfish , they do n’t possess any power to sting . They partake certain characteristics with the phylum Ctenophora , which contains comb gelatin , but it also is n’t a unadulterated fit . It is very possible thatDendrogrammabelongs to an whole distinct phylum , which would cause a major re - write of the phyletic tree .
Dendrogrammalooks most like to fossilized animal from the Ediacaran period of time , approximately 635 to 542 million geezerhood ago . Though its origins are middling muddle , it can not be exclusively rule out that it did go down from an ancient being from that time and is a living dodo that has withstand exceptional odds to survive to this day .
potential position forDendrogrammawithin existing phyla . icon credit : Just et al .
