How does a paleontologist make use of his love of hard rock? 🤔 He names extinct species after his musical heroes, of course! 🎶 👨‍🔬 Mats E. Eriksson, a paleontology professor at Lund University, recently completed a research project in Gotland – Sweden’s largest island – with international colleagues. Here, they studied fossilised extinct brittle stars ⭐️ – creatures closely related to sea stars, which provide insights into ancient marine ecosystems. Twelve previously unknown fossilised species were discovered, and when it came to naming them, Eriksson and his colleagues had little hesitation. 🎤🎸 Inspired by a handful of bands, they gave the species formal names corresponding to a timeline of how hard rock and metal music have evolved. Among the fossil names are 'Ophiopetagno paicei', named after Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, and 'Muldaster haakei', inspired by Tomas Haake, drummer of Swedish band Meshuggah. 🥁🎵 It’s no wonder Eriksson and his crew included a Swedish influ...