A groundbreaking discovery by palaeontology researchers has identified a new species of coelacanth from a 150-year-old fossil, filling a crucial 50-million-year gap in the evolutionary history of these iconic ‘living fossil’ fish. The fossil, housed at London’s Natural History Museum since the 19th century, has been named Macropoma gombessae and provides unprecedented insights into how modern coelacanths evolved.
Ancient Fish Discovery Bridges Evolutionary Gap
The newly identified coelacanth specimen comes from the Lower Cretaceous Gault Formation of southern England and represents a significant breakthrough in understanding the Latimeriidae family, which includes today’s coelacanths. These remarkable fish survived the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, making them one of nature’s most enduring success stories.
Former University of Portsmouth palaeontology student Jack L. Norton made the discovery while examining the fossil using modern techniques, including X-ray computed tomography (XCT). This advanced technology allowed researchers to study the specimen’s internal structure in unprecedented detail, revealing features that had remained hidden for over a century.
Modern Technology Unlocks Ancient Secrets
Jack Norton, now pursuing a PhD in Zurich, expressed his excitement about the find: “It’s incredibly exciting that such an important specimen has been hiding in plain sight for over a century. Only now that we have the technology available to examine these fossils in minute detail at the Natural History Museum do we understand its significance.”
The ability to manipulate the 150-year-old specimen in 3D was particularly valuable for the research team. This technological advancement demonstrates how modern scientific tools can breathe new life into historical collections, revealing insights that were impossible to obtain when the specimens were first collected.
The Value of Museum Collections and Student Research
Professor David Martill from the University of Portsmouth’s School of the Environment and Life Sciences emphasized the importance of this discovery: “What’s so wonderful about this finding is that it was a curious student who recognized its importance, which shows the value of the next generation of scientists, and the vast scientific potential of museum collections worldwide.”
This discovery highlights how specimens collected generations ago can still transform our understanding of evolution when studied using modern techniques. Museum collections worldwide contain countless specimens waiting to reveal their secrets through contemporary scientific methods.
Cultural Significance of the New Species
The newly described species has been named Macropoma gombessae, honoring “Gombessa,” a traditional name used by Malagasy communities and fishers in the Comoros for the living coelacanth. The term roughly translates to “inedible fish” or “worthless fish” – a reflection of how the animal was perceived before its scientific importance became known.
This naming choice acknowledges the cultural context of coelacanth discovery and the traditional knowledge of coastal communities who have encountered these fish for generations before their scientific significance was recognized.
Implications for Palaeontology Education
The University of Portsmouth, which runs the largest undergraduate palaeontology course in the UK with over 150 students currently enrolled, celebrates this discovery as a testament to the quality of its programs. The BSc (Hons) Palaeontology degree, accredited by The Geological Society of London and celebrating its 30th anniversary, offers students unique hands-on learning experiences.
Portsmouth’s proximity to the Isle of Wight – nicknamed “Dinosaur Island” for its rich fossil heritage – and the Jurassic Coast provides students with exceptional opportunities for fieldwork and practical experience in palaeontology.
Future Research Potential
Emma Bernard, fossil fish curator from the Natural History Museum, London, noted: “It’s really exciting that Jack and Sam – who are both early in their careers – identified this specimen as a new species. This shows the scientific value of museum collections, and why it is important to continue holding specimens in trust for society while also continuing to research them.”
The discovery raises intriguing questions about what other revelations might be waiting in museum collections around the world. As technology continues to advance, researchers may uncover even more secrets hidden within specimens collected decades or even centuries ago.
Scientific Impact and Publication
The research has been published in Papers in Palaeontology, contributing valuable new knowledge to the field of evolutionary biology. This discovery not only fills a significant gap in the fossil record but also demonstrates the ongoing importance of palaeontological research in understanding the history of life on Earth.
For students interested in pursuing palaeontology, this discovery serves as an inspiring example of how curiosity, modern technology, and historical specimens can combine to make groundbreaking scientific contributions. The University of Portsmouth’s established palaeontology program continues to produce researchers capable of making such significant discoveries.
Learn more about studying palaeontology at the University of Portsmouth and how you can contribute to future discoveries in evolutionary biology.
