"Dancing shrimp" have the beginnings of collective behavior

Paleontology found that the rudiments of collective behavior of the crustaceans were already 525 million years ago, reports New Scientist. By this conclusion, scientists found, after analysis of fossilized remains small (about two centimeters) of crustaceans found in China. The work of researchers published in the journal Science.

In the Cambrian rocks found period (542 - 488 million years ago), researchers found traces of 20 shellfish, in a conversation the other. Scientists believe that the limbs (which are not subjected to fossilization and not preserved) shrimp were living coupled so that if you are going conversation has not been broken.

Scientists suggest that the ancient crustaceans together in such groups during periods of migration. According to biologists, there is no other reason. Sharing food in this group was impossible because the mouth C. finmarchicus blocked tail later a member of the chain. Some modern organisms (such as astsidii) collected in this manner during periods of reproduction. Since modern crustaceans such "habits" during periods of reproduction does not occur, the researchers concluded that the cause is also unlikely.

According to academics, behavior discovered fossil is one of the earliest examples of collective behavior from living organisms.