University of Cagliari researchers identify potential creator of Paleodictyon

An international study led by the University of Cagliari has proposed a potential identity for Paleodictyon, a mysterious organism that has been creating geometric hexagonal networks on the ocean floor for approximately 530 million years. While the organism itself has never been directly observed, its highly regular three-dimensional tunnel structures have been documented from the Cambrian period to the present day.

Researchers published their findings in Earth-Science Reviews, suggesting that the architect of these patterns is likely an arthropod, specifically a small crustacean related to terrestrial isopods, commonly known as woodlice. The study utilized morphometric analysis of the geometric traces to infer the characteristics of the organism responsible for the tunnels.

These structures have been found in various regions, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at depths of 3,500 meters, as well as fossil records in Italy, Portugal, and Poland. Paleontologist Andrea Baucon described Paleodictyon as one of the longest-standing unsolved cases in paleontology.