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    Question

    What is the significance of the recently discovered

    fossil, Megamonodontium mccluskyi, in Australia?
    A It is the first fossilized spider found in Australia. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B It is the world's first fossil belonging to the Barychelidae spider family. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C It is the oldest spider fossil discovered to date. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D It is the smallest spider fossil found in Miocene deposits. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E It is the only brush-footed trapdoor spider fossil ever discovered. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Scientists have discovered the fossil of a large ‘trapdoor’ spider in Australia. This is the fourth giant spider fossil to be found in Australia, but it is not just another fossilised spider. This is the world’s first fossil that belongs to the large brush-footed trapdoor spider family, Barychelidae. This new species used to live in the Miocene 11 to 16 million years ago, and is officially named Megamonodontium mccluskyi. The findings were led by the Australian Museum (AM) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) paleontology Dr Matthew McCurry

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