Early arthropod fossil

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Early arthropod fossil

Early arthropod fossil from the 500 million-year- old Burgess Shale rocks. This is a section through a feeding arm of Anomalocaris canadensis, a marine arthropod that is now extinct. The arm is the dark area. The sharp points are spikes to catch prey. This large animal reached a length of around 180 centimetres, and it was a formidable predator. The Burgess Shale rocks, found in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, were formed by avalanches of fine mud that preserved soft tissue details rarely found in the fossil record. This allowed them to record the Cambrian Explosion, the evolution of an extremely diverse array of invertebrate animals from which todays animals evolved

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Media ID 6372097

© ALAN SIRULNIKOFF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Ancient Arthropod Burgess Shale Cambrian Explosion Canada Canadian Early Extinct Fossil Invertebrate Fossilised Fossilized Fossils Mouth Predator Predatory Rock Teeth Anomalocaris Canadensis Palaeontology

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an early arthropod fossil from the renowned Burgess Shale rocks, which date back an astonishing 500 million years. The image reveals a cross-section of a feeding arm belonging to Anomalocaris canadensis, a now-extinct marine arthropod. The dark area represents the arm itself, while the sharp points are spikes specifically designed to ensnare prey. This formidable predator could reach lengths of up to 180 centimeters, making it an imposing figure in its ancient underwater realm. The Burgess Shale rocks, nestled within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, offer a unique glimpse into prehistoric life due to their preservation of delicate soft tissue details – a rarity in the fossil record. These remarkable fossils provide invaluable insights into the Cambrian Explosion – a pivotal period marked by the emergence and diversification of numerous invertebrate animals that ultimately paved the way for today's diverse fauna. This extraordinary photograph not only highlights Canada's rich paleontological heritage but also serves as a testament to nature's incredible ability to capture moments frozen in time. As we delve deeper into these ancient relics, we unravel secrets about our planet's past and gain profound understanding about how life has evolved over millions of years. Science Photo Library brings this awe-inspiring snapshot from Earth's history right before your eyes - reminding us all of our shared connection with these long-lost creatures that once roamed our oceans.

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