News Paleontology

Scientists are arguing over the identity of a fossilized 10-armed creature

The animal may be the oldest octopus ancestor — or not

cephalopod fossil

A 330-million-year-old cephalopod fossil (pictured) may be the oldest ancestor of octopuses, but that interpretation hinges on how scientists identify one feature in the fossil.

S. Thurston/AMNH

By Anna Gibbs

- More than 2 years ago

An ancient cephalopod fossil may be about to rewrite the history of octopuses and vampire squid, but it depends on who you ask.