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Hallucigenia sparsa, velvet worm
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Hallucigenia sparsa, velvet worm
A velvet worm fossil from the Middle Cambrian, Burgess Shale, British Columbia
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Media ID 8621489
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Burgess Shale Cambrian Fossil Fossiliferous Fossilised Paleozoic Phanerozoic Prehistoric Velvet Worm Invertebrata Onychophora Velvet Worm
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1. Title: A Glimpse into the Past: Hallucigenia sparsa, the Enigmatic Velvet Worm from the Burgess Shale, British Columbia 2.. This image showcases a fossilized specimen of Hallucigenia sparsa, an enigmatic invertebrate belonging to the class Onychophora, also known as velvet worms. Discovered in the famed Burgess Shale in British Columbia, Canada, this fossil hails from the Middle Cambrian period, approximately 505 million years ago. The Burgess Shale is renowned for its rich and diverse fossil record, providing precious insights into the early stages of animal life on Earth. Hallucigenia sparsa, with its unique morphology, has long puzzled scientists, as it bears features that seem to defy simple classification. At first glance, this fossil may appear as a jumbled mess of appendages and spines. However, upon closer examination, one can discern the distinct head, body, and ten pairs of appendages. The head bears a pair of large, compound eyes, while the body is adorned with numerous small, plate-like structures. The appendages, covered in tiny hooks, are thought to have functioned as both sensory organs and locomotion aids. Hallucigenia sparsa is classified within the phylum Scleronychophora, which also includes modern velvet worms. Despite their ancient origins, these creatures are still alive today, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. The discovery of Hallucigenia sparsa in the Burgess Shale offers a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric world, reminding us of the incredible diversity and complexity of life that has existed on our planet for billions of years. This fossil is a testament to the richness and importance of the Burgess Shale, a treasure trove of information about the early history of life on Earth. It serves as a reminder of the endless wonders that await us in the depths of the geological record, inviting us to continue exploring the mysteries of our planet's past.
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