Branchiocaris Phyllocarid Shelled Arthropod

Branchiocaris sp

Arthropoda, Phyllocarida

Geologic Time: Early/Middle Cambrian (~520 million years ago)

Size Phyllocarid: 65 mm long

Fossil Site: Marjum Formation, House Range, Millard County, Utah


Branchiocaris Phyllocarid Shelled ArthropodDescription: This unusual Phyllocarid arthropod is known as Branchiocaris . Phyllocarids are one of the lesser known branchiopod crustaceans from the Cambrian where they are among the earliest animals with a hard shell. They have a fairly large carapace, which protects the anterior part of the body. This structure hinged Branchiocarisalong the dorsal edge like a bivalve. Usually only the carapace is found. Branchiocaris has been placed by some as a near relative of Marella of the Burgess Shale, an assignment not agreed to by all researchers. The taxon is also known from the Burgess Shale of British Columbia, while another member of the genus has been found in the Chengjiang Biota.

See related: Soft-bodied Cambrian Explosion Biota from Utah

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