Residents of Oklahoma recently stumbled upon some mysterious, hard sac-like ‘eggs’ hanging from tree roots by the lake. Understandably, this strange discovery had folks buzzing with theories, some even suggesting an alien origin. However, scientists have stepped in to soothe these wild imaginations, explaining that these sacs belong to an ancient creature.
This summer, it’s likely these creatures, which have found the perfect space and environment, will be around quite a bit.
The large, jelly-like sacs that locals uncovered aren’t as otherworldly as they first appeared. Instead, they are the work of bryozoans, ancient animals that have been around since before the dinosaurs.
When these sacs were shared online, they sparked a wave of speculation about their extraterrestrial appearance. But scientists clarified that these sacs are actually colonies of bryozoans, creatures that predate dinosaurs by hundreds of millions of years. Interestingly, these animals could be beneficial to the lake’s ecosystem.
Though they seem unusual, these sacs are simply masses of tiny bryozoans.
Authorities have assured the public that these animals are completely natural and expected.
Bryozoans form large clumps to filter microscopic particles from the water for food, effectively cleaning the lake. They are typically found in ponds and lakes and, in this case, were spotted in McGee Creek Reservoir, situated on the southwest edge of the Ouachita Mountain Range.
These clumps, which appear egg-like, are actually composed of numerous bryozoans working together. Each tiny creature, known as a zooid, is just a fraction of a millimeter in length. They don’t have respiratory or circulatory systems but do possess a central nerve ganglion that allows them to respond to their environment.
These pods not only hang from the roots of trees but also help clean the lake’s water.
Bryozoans are fascinating because they can reproduce through self-cloning, having both male and female reproductive organs. This allows them to multiply rapidly, forming clusters of cells known as statoblasts that break off to form new colonies. Their diet consists of phytoplankton and bacteria found in the water.
Fossil records suggest that bryozoans might have evolved from ancient marine worms. Their ancestors date back some 470 million years, providing a fascinating look at life forms that existed long before dinosaurs, which appeared around 245 million years ago.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) shared photos of these bryozoans on social media, explaining, “What is that??? If you’re out boating at places like McGee Creek Reservoir, you might notice these jelly-like balls hanging from submerged tree limbs.” The post continued to say, “These are Bryozoans, and they’ll likely show up in large numbers this summer. Don’t be alarmed—these microorganisms are native and pose no danger to you or wildlife. In fact, they indicate good environmental quality and clear water!”
