Brontoscorpio

Bron-toe-scor-pee-o.
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Nisha Yadav

Physicist

Nisha Yadav is a dedicated physicist whose work bridges the gap between physics and paleontology. With a deep interest in the processes that preserve ancient life, she explores how physical principles govern fossilization and the preservation of extinct species.

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Name

Brontoscorpio (Thunder scorpion).

Phonetic

Bron-toe-scor-pee-o.

Named By

Erik N. kjellesvig-Waering -1972.

Classification

Arthropoda, Chelicerata, Arachnida, Scorpiones.

Diet

Carnivore.

Species

B. anglicus

Size

Estimated body length of 90 centimetres.

Known locations

England, Worcestershire.

Time Period

Late Silurian.

Fossil representation

A single pedipalp.

In Depth

       A good example of the large arthropods that dominated the world before invertebrates took over, it has been surmised that Brontoscorpio was aquatic. Unfortunately the only known part of this ancient scorpion is the pedipalp, and it is from comparison of this body part to other known specimens that the size estimate has been established.

Further Reading

– Brontoscorpio anglicus: a gigantic Lower Paleozoic scorpion from central England. – Journal of Paleontology. 46 (1): 39–42. – Erik N. Kjellesvig-Waering – 1972.

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