Chinese scientists have discovered the world's oldest bilaterian fossil, which provides valuable clues on the origin of early life.

Though only 0.2 millimeter long, this fossil demonstrated under microscope a life-form 580 million years old, with one pair of body cavities and symmetrically arranged sensory pits.

Researcher Chen Junyuan of the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology claimed this find has advanced the recorded history of bilaterian fossils, or fossils characterized by bilateral symmetry in organs, by 40 million years.

Officially named "Vernanimalcula guizhouena," this life-form has provided valuable evidence of genetic innovations towards bilateral symmetry.

Such innovation, Chen said, was crucial for mankind to track early life's three development periods, namely Sponges, Diploblastic Radiates (including Coelenterate) and Triploblastic Bilaterian.

(China Daily June 7, 2004)