Prehistoric worms found attached to primitive filter-feeding shellfish that lived 512 million years ago are the 'earliest known parasites' on Earth, a study reported. The fossil shellfish — a brachiopod, which would have resembled a clam — was found in Yunnan, China and has been named Neobolus wulongqingensis. 'The tube-dwelling organism was a parasite that reduces its host's fitness by stealing the host's food — known as a "kleptoparasite".' Ordinarily, this would allow them to filter food particles out of the tiny currents currents — but parasitic worms would intercept some of this food for themselves. The fossil shellfish — a brachiopod, which would have resembled a clam — was found in Yunnan, China and has been named Neobolus wulongqingensis.

Source: Daily Mail June 02, 2020 17:13 UTC