The abstract is read at the publisher; the summary is JClub's.
Exceptionally preserved Early Cretaceous Viviparus sp. from the Kitadani Formation shows obligate ovoviviparity with up to 16 embryos, plus trophic flexibility.
- Why it matters: Internal reproductive and dietary evidence for ancient freshwater invertebrates is usually lost, limiting direct tests of when modern-like viviparid strategies emerged.
- What they did: Using high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography and microfossil extraction, the study quantified embryonic shells, sexual size dimorphism, and growth, then analyzed gastrointestinal residues and taphonomic associations.
- The result: The assemblage indicates epilithic microalgal grazing, suspension feeding, and detritivory, and suggests alkaline ash from palaeo-wildfires buffered freshwater acidity to preserve delicate records.
The findingWhy it mattersWhat they didThe result
AI summary of the abstract · may contain errors · not medical advice · read the paper.