They lived for almost 300 million years, from the Cambrian to Permian extinction which killed 90% of all life
Trilobites were one of Earth's most successful animals
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These arthropods come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but are all divided into 3 lobes. There are 10 orders and well over 20,000 different species!
immense variety
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Isotelus rex is over 2 feet in size!
Acanthopleurella stipulae is the size of a pepper flake
SIZE VARIETY
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World's Largest Trilobite
Some were filter feeders, others were scavengers, and some were active predators.
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They filled all kinds of ecosystems
Trilobites have a thick exoskeleton for protection. Many types had large spines for added protection. Others could enroll, like a pull-bug, when threatened.
thick exoskeleton
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Trilobites were the first animals to evolve Compound Eyes, similar to honey bees!
COMPOUND EYES
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Usually only the exoskeletons are preserved. But sometimes, their legs, antenna, gills, and even eggs are preserved.
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APPENDAGES
Some trilobites were thought to seasonally migrate out of rough waters. Migration trains reduce drag and added a layer of safety
the great Migration
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The almost limitless shapes make trilobites a very popular fossil