Ancient Flesh-Eating Lampreys Resurface in China

Fossil lampreys from the Jurassic period, discovered in northern China, provide insight into the evolutionary history of these ancient fish. The fossils reveal that these lampreys were fearsome predators, with a strong biting mechanism and a diet that involved consuming the flesh of their prey. The discovery suggests that lampreys had already evolved their current life cycle, which includes a phase of metamorphosis, during this time. The fossils also indicate a greater diversity in ancient lampreys than previously thought, shedding light on their gradual evolution over time.