Massive Discovery of Living Fossil 'Ginkkori Tugusaewu' in Jeongeup

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] It has been revealed that a large population of Triops, which have preserved the appearance of the Paleozoic era from 300 million years ago, inhabit the area around Sinjung-ri, Gobu-myeon, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk.

According to the city on the 3rd, the area around Sinjung-ri, Gobu-myeon (Eco-friendly Agriculture Nulje 1 and 2 Complexes) is a representative region for cultivating rice using eco-friendly farming methods, and Triops inhabit more than 20,000 pyeong (approximately 66,115 square meters) of rice paddies out of 50 hectares.

Triops are crustaceans that have a rounded helmet-like structure on their heads and a tail that extends thinly in two branches.

They have been found in Paleozoic fossils, and since their appearance 300 million years ago is the same as it is today, they are sometimes called "living fossils."

They are known to inhabit only clean areas, and due to the indiscriminate use of chemical substances such as pesticides and fertilizers, they disappeared in the 1990s and were designated as endangered wild animals, but since 2012, their population has increased, leading to the lifting of the designation.

Because of their habit of stirring up soil to find food, they cause muddy water (turbidity effect), which blocks sunlight, preventing weeds from growing and eating pests, thus greatly aiding eco-friendly agriculture.

A city official said, "The populations of Triops, fairy shrimp, and rice snails are increasing in the Gobu eco-friendly agricultural complex," adding, "This once again proves that this area is a clean region and will greatly help in the sale of agricultural products."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.