Why in NEWS

Scientists using digital fossil-mining techniques have discovered that squids dominated ancient oceans 30 million years earlier than previously believed. They identified at least 40 ancient squid species from the Cretaceous period (110–70 million years ago) in fossil concretions from Japan, reshaping the evolutionary timeline of cephalopods.

Key Terms Explained

Term	Explanation
Digital Fossil Mining	Use of 3D scanning, CT imaging, AI, and GIS to analyze fossil structures non-destructively.
Oegopsida	Deep-sea squid group, known for large size and complex behavior.
Myopsida	Coastal squids, typically found in shallow marine waters.
Concretion	A hard, compact mass of sedimentary rock where fossils are often well-preserved.
Cephalopods	A mollusc class including squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish; known for intelligence and agility.

Squid Characteristics

Feature	Description
Taxonomy	Marine molluscs in the class Cephalopoda.
Body Structure	Soft body with mantle, gladius (internal shell), parrot-like beak, 2 tentacles, and 8 arms.
Hearts	Possess three hearts for oxygen circulation.
Locomotion	Move using jet propulsion—expelling water rapidly from their mantle.

Habitat and Diversity

Aspect	Details
Range	Found globally, from shallow coastlines to deep-sea zones (up to 3 miles deep).
Size	Range from tiny pygmy squids to giant squids with the largest eyes in the animal kingdom.

Behavior and Intelligence

Trait	Description
Camouflage	Use chromatophores to change color for hunting or hiding.
Defense Mechanisms	Ink-spraying, arm-tip detachment, mimicry.
Social Behavior	Exhibit mate guarding, cooperative hunting, and group coordination (e.g., Humboldt squid).
Cognition	Among the most intelligent invertebrates—capable of learning and problem-solving.

Technological Contributions

Innovation	Inspired by Squids
Smart materials	Color-changing surfaces and camouflage suits.
Self-healing plastics	Based on squid sucker ring teeth protein.
Bio-inspired robots	Flexible and agile underwater drones and machines.

Uniqueness

Feature	Examples
Gliding Ability	Some species can “fly” up to 164 feet by gliding above water.
Parental Care	Species like bigfin reef squid show egg guarding.
Luring Prey	Some mimic smaller prey to attract predators of those prey as food.

In a Nutshell

Use the mnemonic: “S.Q.U.I.D.S”

S – Scanning tech used in digital fossil mining
Q – Quick movers using jet propulsion
U – Underwater gliders with record eye size
I – Intelligent invertebrates with 3 hearts
D – Diverse habitats from coast to deep-sea
S – Smart tech inspired by squid biology

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Which of the following techniques are involved in digital fossil-mining?
   1. CT imaging
   2. Ground Penetrating Radar
   3. 3D scanning
   4. GIS
      Select the correct answer using the codes below:
      a) 1, 2 and 3 only
      b) 1, 3 and 4 only
      c) 2 and 4 only
      d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
2. Which of the following characteristics are unique to cephalopods like squids?
   1. Possessing three hearts
   2. Jet propulsion movement
   3. External shell for protection
      Select the correct answer:
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 1 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2 and 3
3. Santhali language, Ol Chiki script, and Sohrai festival are associated with which community?
   a) Gonds
   b) Bhils
   c) Santhals
   d) Mundas

Prelims Answers and Explanations

Q. No	Correct Answer	Explanation
1	b) 1, 3 and 4 only	Digital fossil-mining uses CT, 3D scanning, and GIS. Ground Penetrating Radar is for subsurface mapping, not fossil imaging.
2	a) 1 and 2 only	Squids have three hearts and jet propulsion; they lack external shells (unlike snails).
3	c) Santhals	The Santhal tribe uses Ol Chiki script, speaks Santhali, and celebrates Sohrai.