Biol Lett September 2024 PMID 39226920

Bat consumption by holostean fishes in the Eocene Lake Messel: insights into the trophic adaptability of extinct gars and bowfins.

Romain Vullo, Eberhard Frey

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Peak: 24 in Sep 2024

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The collective reactions demonstrate a high level of curiosity and appreciation for the discovery, with comments like 'crazy to think that this has been happening for 40 million years,' emphasizing both the historical significance and the ongoing relevance of such interactions. The tone is enthusiastic and reflective, with some posts highlighting parallels to modern observations, which enhances overall engagement and interest.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge and support the importance of the research, with some expressing fascination with the findings of ancient fish predation on bats.

InterestHigh interest

The subject of fossil evidence and ancient ecosystems sparks strong curiosity among participants, indicated by comments on the rarity and significance of such findings.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants actively reference specific details from the publication and related observations, such as the behavior of gars in modern settings and implications for our understanding of ancient food webs.

ImpactModerate impact

While the discussions highlight scientific interest, they mostly serve to inform or share curiosity rather than provoke immediate, broader societal change.

Abstract in brief

The fossil record rarely shows direct interactions between extinct species, but new findings from the middle Eocene of Messel, Germany, reveal fish-mammal associations with holosteans and bats.
Three holostean fish specimens were found with bat remains in their jaws, indicating these fish likely attempted to swallow the bats and got entangled.
This represents the earliest evidence of bats being consumed by these fish and highlights the adaptability of both groups in their ancient ecosystem, offering insights into the complex food web of Eocene Lake Messel.

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All mentions

Eocene Fish and Bat Interactions Reveal Ancient Dietary Adaptations

Fossil evidence from the Middle Eocene of Messel, Germany, shows holostean fishes attempting to swallow bats, indicating early dietary adaptability and complex food webs in ancient ecosystems.

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Alexa Sadier

@aigverte · X

Sep 24, 2024 · 3 likes · 1,376 followers View post →

Master Of Weird Little Guys

@anthro_andrew · X

RT @Sternarchella: If you're lucky, you can see gars eat bats in Buffalo Bayou in Houston. Crazy to think that this has been happening for…

Sep 7, 2024 · 4 shares · 2,947 followers View post →

Grégoire Métais

@gregoire_metais · X

RT @Didier_Dutheil: When fishes ate bats in the Eocene of Messel lake. Gourmet article by Romain Vullo and Eberhard Frey https://t.co/uy4Pk…

Sep 7, 2024 · 1 share · 158 followers View post →

Evan

@evan7257 · X

RT @Sternarchella: If you're lucky, you can see gars eat bats in Buffalo Bayou in Houston. Crazy to think that this has been happening for…

Sep 7, 2024 · 4 shares · 22,578 followers View post →

Craig Hoover

@CraigHoover19 · X

RT @Sternarchella: If you're lucky, you can see gars eat bats in Buffalo Bayou in Houston. Crazy to think that this has been happening for…

Sep 7, 2024 · 4 shares · 205 followers View post →

Kory Evans Ph.D.

@Sternarchella · X

If you're lucky, you can see gars eat bats in Buffalo Bayou in Houston. Crazy to think that this has been happening for 40 million years https://t.co/R5GhwujOQl

Sep 7, 2024 · 37 likes · 4 shares · 6,139 followers View post →