Pneumodesmus in the context of "Myriapods"

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⭐ Core Definition: Pneumodesmus

Pneumodesmus newmani is a species of myriapod. It is originally considered that it lived during the late Wenlock epoch of the Silurian period around 428 million years ago. However, a 2017 study dates its occurrence based on zircon data analysis as the Early Devonian (Lochkovian). Although the 2023 study confirmed the age identification of the 2004 study through palynological, palaeobotanical and zircon analyses incorporating newly discovered additional data, this is based on adjacent structurally separated block with different stratigraphy and sedimentology to the block with fossil site it was discovered, and it is confirmed as unsustainable. It is one of the first myriapods, and among the oldest creatures to have lived on land. It was discovered in 2004, and is known from a single specimen from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

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Pneumodesmus in the context of Myriapod

Myriapods (from Ancient Greek μυρίος (muríos) 'countless' and πούς (poús) 'foot') are the members of subphylum Myriapoda, containing arthropods such as millipedes and centipedes. The group contains about 13,000 species, all of them terrestrial.

Although molecular evidence and similar fossils suggests a diversification in the Cambrian Period, the oldest known fossil record of myriapods dates between the Late Silurian and Early Devonian, with Pneumodesmus preserving the earliest known evidence of air-breathing on land. Other early myriapod fossil species around the similar time period include Kampecaris obanensis and Archidesmus sp. The phylogenetic classification of myriapods is still debated.

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