Cicada season is upon us in the eastern United States, with Brood XIV making its first appearance since 2008. These noisy insects are just a small fraction of the approximately 3,500 species of cicadas found worldwide.
While true cicadas are one of the most diverse insect groups today, little is known about their earliest ancestors. A recent fossil discovery near Frankfurt, Germany is shedding light on the evolution of these bugs, representing the earliest example of the Cicadinae subfamily ever found. This groundbreaking discovery was detailed in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports on April 29.
The 47-million-year-old fossil was unearthed from an oil shale slab at the Messel Pit formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Germany dating back to the Eocene epoch. The fossil, almost perfectly preserved, belongs to the Platypleurini group of cicadas and has been named Eoplatypleura messelensis. This discovery is particularly rare in paleontology, as only a handful of cicada fossils have been found from the Cenozoic era.
The fossil specimen of E. messelensis is about one inch long with a wingspan of approximately 2.68 inches. It has a compact head with small compound eyes, broad forewings with curved edges, and strikingly patterned wings similar to modern cicadas in the Platypleurini group.
The coloration of E. messelensis suggests it lived in a subtropical climate, where its camouflage likely played a vital role in its survival. Although the first fossil found was female, the Platypleurini grouping indicates that males may have produced loud buzzing mating calls like modern cicadas.
The discovery of E. messelensis not only sets a new record as the earliest true cicada but also provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of cicadas. This fossil may serve as a crucial reference for genetic studies and contribute to our understanding of how Platypleurini cicadas have thrived over millions of years.
As study co-author Sonja Wedmann stated, the fossil record of insects like cicadas helps us better understand the development of complex ecosystems and ecological interactions. This groundbreaking find in Germany adds to our knowledge of the diverse and fascinating world of cicadas. The Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life
Climate change is having a profound impact on our planet, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns causing widespread disruption to ecosystems around the world. One of the most vulnerable ecosystems to these changes is the world’s oceans, where marine life is facing a multitude of challenges as a result of climate change.
One of the most immediate effects of climate change on marine life is the warming of ocean waters. As temperatures rise, many species of fish, mammals, and other marine organisms are being forced to migrate in search of cooler waters. This can lead to disruptions in food chains and ecosystems, as predators and prey become displaced from their usual habitats.
In addition to warmer waters, climate change is also causing ocean acidification. The increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are being absorbed by the oceans, leading to a decrease in pH levels. This can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly on organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and mollusks. As the acidity of the oceans increases, these organisms struggle to build and maintain their structures, leading to widespread damage to coral reefs and other vital habitats.
Rising sea levels are another consequence of climate change that is impacting marine life. As polar ice caps melt and glaciers recede, sea levels are rising at an alarming rate. This can lead to the inundation of coastal habitats, including important breeding grounds for many marine species. In addition, rising sea levels can also increase the frequency and severity of coastal storms, further threatening marine ecosystems.
The changing climate is also affecting the distribution and abundance of marine species. Many species are shifting their ranges in response to changing environmental conditions, leading to shifts in predator-prey relationships and competition for resources. This can have cascading effects throughout marine ecosystems, impacting not only the species directly affected by climate change, but also those that rely on them for food or other services.
Overall, the effects of climate change on marine life are far-reaching and complex. As temperatures rise, oceans become more acidic, and sea levels continue to climb, marine ecosystems are facing unprecedented challenges. It is crucial that we take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the fragile balance of marine life before it is too late. Only by working together to address the root causes of climate change can we hope to preserve the incredible diversity and beauty of our oceans for future generations.
