Phytophilaspis Temporal range:
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
(unranked): | † Artiopoda |
Subphylum: | † Trilobitomorpha |
(unranked): | † Xandarellida |
Genus: | †
Phytophilaspis Ivantsov, 1999 [1] |
Species | |
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Phytophilaspis is a phosphatized [2] genus of trilobite-like arthropod with eyes, found in association with algal remains. [1] It dwelt in well-lit, shallow waters. [3]
Phytophilaspis has several features in common with trilobites, including: tripartite division of the dorsal shield; presence of prominent pygidium; large eyes, situated on the pleural area of the cephalon; facial sutures, and shape of the hypostome. However, it differs from trilobites in many ways, including a reduced thorax, thoracic pleura fused to each other and to the cephalon and pygidium, facial sutures not crossing the eyes, and weak original mineralization of the cuticle. [1] Because of these differences, Phytophilaspis was originally assigned to the Artiopodan subclass Concilliterga, in an undetermined order and family. [1] It was later considered by Bergström and Hou as a xandarellid, along with Cindarella, Xandarella and Sinoburius. [4] A position that was supported in subsequent studies. [5]
Phytophilaspis Temporal range:
| |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
(unranked): | † Artiopoda |
Subphylum: | † Trilobitomorpha |
(unranked): | † Xandarellida |
Genus: | †
Phytophilaspis Ivantsov, 1999 [1] |
Species | |
|
Phytophilaspis is a phosphatized [2] genus of trilobite-like arthropod with eyes, found in association with algal remains. [1] It dwelt in well-lit, shallow waters. [3]
Phytophilaspis has several features in common with trilobites, including: tripartite division of the dorsal shield; presence of prominent pygidium; large eyes, situated on the pleural area of the cephalon; facial sutures, and shape of the hypostome. However, it differs from trilobites in many ways, including a reduced thorax, thoracic pleura fused to each other and to the cephalon and pygidium, facial sutures not crossing the eyes, and weak original mineralization of the cuticle. [1] Because of these differences, Phytophilaspis was originally assigned to the Artiopodan subclass Concilliterga, in an undetermined order and family. [1] It was later considered by Bergström and Hou as a xandarellid, along with Cindarella, Xandarella and Sinoburius. [4] A position that was supported in subsequent studies. [5]