Fossil shows a mother caring for her young 520 million years ago

Artist's impression of ancient arthropod and young

Parenting behaviour was not ubiquitous

Jing Shan Fu

A 520-million-year-old fossil shows an ancient shrimp-like creature caring for its four offspring. It is the oldest ever example of a parent actively looking after its young after they hatch.

The tiny critter, Fuxianhuia protensa, is an arthropod, making it a possible ancestor of modern insects, spiders and woodlice.

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There is little evidence of extended parental care in the fossil record. One of the few examples is a 160-million-year-old reptile that died alongside its six children.

We have more evidence of brood care – animals protecting their eggs. …


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