An Ancient Fossil Name After Alice Cooper
via Alice Cooper Official / YouTube
A 190-million-year-old worm fossil discovered in Denmark has garnered attention from scientists and rock music enthusiasts alike. Fascinated by the specimen, researchers decided to pay tribute to the legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper by naming it Serpula alicecooperi. This unique marine worm species is known for its ability to create calcium tubes as its habitat. Let’s delve into the significance behind this naming choice and the interesting story behind the discovery.
The Discovery
A paleontologist and passionate fan of metal and rock music, Jesper Milàn from Geomuseum Faxe, expressed admiration for Alice Cooper and his enormous impact on the music scene over the last half-century. Milàn stated, “When we studied the fossil, it quickly became clear that it was a new and unknown species of serpulid worm we were dealing with. I have always thought that if somebody deserved to have a fossil named in his honor, it should be Alice.” The fossil, named Serpula alicecooperi, was found on Denmark’s Bornholm island by Mette Hoftstedt and is currently being studied at Geomuseum Faxe.
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Naming After Alice Cooper
Milàn further explained the reasoning behind honoring Alice Cooper with the newly discovered species, stating, “Alice’s music has been firmly playing in the background during much of my research.” Drawing a parallel between the innovative nature of Serpula alicecooperi and Alice Cooper’s groundbreaking role in the shock rock genre during the late sixties, researchers found it fitting to name the worm after him. Alice Cooper, as an artist, has continuously defied expectations and evolved while still maintaining a prominent presence in the industry.
The Influence of Serpulid Worms
Serpulid worms, such as Serpula alicecooperi, have a rich history of pioneering their unique lifestyle. These marine worms possess the ability to filter sea water through their tentacles and retreat into their calcium tubes when threatened. Throughout the ages, they have played a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, showcasing resilience and adaptability. By naming this ancient worm species after Alice Cooper, the researchers pay tribute to his resilience and impact on the music world, just as the Serpulid worms have demonstrated throughout history.
The discovery of Serpula alicecooperi, a fossil of an ancient worm, has provided scientists with a fascinating insight into the history of marine life. Jesper Milàn’s admiration for Alice Cooper and his music influenced the naming choice, with Milàn emphasizing, “Alice’s music has been firmly playing in the background during much of my research.” This designation not only acknowledges Alice Cooper’s extensive influence on the music scene but also highlights the symbiotic relationship between science and art. The resilience and adaptability of Serpulid worms mirror Alice Cooper’s long-lasting career, defying expectations while maintaining a prominent presence in the industry. The naming of Serpula alicecooperi is a testament to the enduring inspiration and influence that both science and music have on one another.
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