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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Lazarus Species

“They’re called “Lazarus species” — creatures that have disappeared, sometimes for millions of years, only to miraculously be rediscovered again in modern times. Just as Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus in the Gospel of John, so these species manage to survive.”

A Lazarus Species is a creature that has disappeared from fossil records and thought to be extinct. Only to be 'rediscovered' in fairly modern times, alive and well and breathing. A good example of a Lazarus Species is the Coelacanth - a fish that was thought to have become extinct 65 million years ago. Only to be 'rediscovered' in 1938.
 Lazarus Species are not to be confused with Living Fossils. Living Fossils are creatures that have survived for thousands, sometimes even millions of years unchanged. Their species can be traced back through the millennium through fossil records. The cockroach is a good example of a Living Fossil.
Why is there no record - fossil or otherwise - of Lazarus Species? Where have they been hiding out all these millennium? 
Your thoughts......

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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    That is amazing. The first picture is really creepy. It looks like a monster !!!
    Have a magical day.

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  2. Debra She Who SeeksJuly 20, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I suspect aliens are involved somehow. Perhaps these species have been vacationing on another planet in another galaxy and have just now returned home. They're probably wondering "What's all the fuss about?"

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  3. The Artful Gypsy aka Wendy the Very Good WitchJuly 21, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    My theory is that they never left, they just hid away from the scary humans that were collecting and classifying them...ha! And any creature living in the sea could easily hide for a gazillion years and never be found me thinks! Although, I much prefer the 'alien' theory because it's far more interesting! :o)

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