Scientists Discover 'World's Oldest Meal', Give Clues About Our Animal Ancestors

The scientists analysed ancient fossils containing preserved phytosterol molecules -natural chemical products found in plants.

Scientists have discovered fossils of some of the earliest known animals dating back 575 million years ago, the discovery sheds light on how our earliest animal ancestors functioned, according to Australian National University (ANU). The team of researchers from ANU studied Ediacaran period fossils retrieved from Russia and unearthed new clues about the physiology of our earliest animal ancestors.

Ediacara biota is the world's oldest large organism and dates back 575 million years. ANU researchers found the animals ate bacteria and algae that were sourced from the ocean floor. The findings, published in Current Biology, reveal more about these strange creatures, including how they were able to consume and digest food, reported to ANI.

The scientists analysed ancient fossils containing preserved phytosterol molecules -- natural chemical products found in plants -- that remained from the animals' last meal. By examining the molecular remains of what the animals ate, the researchers were able to confirm the slug-like organism, known as Kimberella, had a mouth and a gut and digested food the same way modern animals do. The researchers say it was likely one of the most advanced creatures of the Ediacarans.

The ANU team found that another animal, which grew up to 1.4 metres in length and had a rib-like design imprinted on its body, was less complex and had no eyes, mouth or gut. Instead, the odd creature, called Dickinsonia, absorbed food through its body as it traversed the ocean floor.