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What is this research about, and why is it important?
This study revisits the evolutionary history of Jurassic sea stars in the superorder Forcipulatacea, which includes many modern sea star species like the well-known Asteriidae. By analyzing fossil specimens and using advanced phylogenetic methods, researchers have redefined the timeline and origins of major sea star families, suggesting that Asteriidae evolved much later than previously thought, likely during the late Cretaceous.

Why has the classification of Forcipulatacea been so challenging?
The Forcipulatacea clade has seen multiple revisions over the past century. Researchers have debated the number of families within it, ranging from two to several distinct families. Recent molecular evidence shows that some traditional groupings don’t accurately reflect the actual relationships between these species, leading scientists to reconsider and refine classifications based on both fossil and living species.

What was unique about this study’s approach to analyzing Jurassic sea stars?
This study took a comprehensive approach, examining six well-preserved Jurassic sea stars and identifying two new genera, Forbesasterias and Marbleaster. The team created the largest-ever phylogenetic matrix for Forcipulatacea, using 120 morphological traits across 42 species, both fossil and living. This allowed them to build a detailed evolutionary timeline using Bayesian tip-dating, which accounts for fossil ages to map out evolutionary relationships.

What were the main findings about the origins of Asteriidae?
Contrary to previous beliefs, none of the Jurassic sea stars analyzed belong to Asteriidae or any other modern family. Instead, they represent early, stem-lineage Forcipulatacea. This finding suggests that Asteriidae likely emerged much later, in the late Cretaceous, pushing back its evolutionary timeline and hinting at a more gradual development of this family than previously understood.

How does this study reshape our understanding of sea star evolution?
The results indicate that Forcipulatacea had greater early diversity than previously known, with unique Jurassic sea stars that don’t fit within today’s modern families. This early diversity underscores a more complex evolutionary path for these marine invertebrates, challenging the notion that Jurassic sea stars had already evolved into modern forms by that time.

What are the implications of this research for marine biodiversity and paleontology?
This study highlights how fossil data can reveal unexpected diversity and timelines in ancient ecosystems. Understanding these evolutionary histories helps scientists appreciate the resilience and adaptability of marine species over millions of years, contributing to current biodiversity and conservation efforts by providing insights into how sea stars and similar organisms might respond to future environmental changes.

What’s next for research on sea star evolution?
Future research will likely expand on these findings by exploring other fossil specimens and applying similar advanced techniques to refine the evolutionary timelines of related groups. Further studies may help identify more “missing links” between ancient and modern sea stars, offering a fuller picture of marine biodiversity’s evolution.

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