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484 / Paleozoic
Canadaspis
Canadaspis perfecta
Two broad valves enclosed a segmented body while antennae, limbs and a tail fan projected outside.
- Time range
- About 508 million years ago
- Final stage
- Middle Cambrian
- Geographic range
- Muddy continental-slope seafloor · Canada
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Canadaspis?
Canadaspis (Canadaspis perfecta) was an extinct organism known from About 508 million years ago, with a range in Muddy continental-slope seafloor · Canada.
Life and ecology
It moved close to the bottom and gathered organic particles and small food with branched limbs.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Canadaspis disappear?
Post-Cambrian marine arthropod turnover ended the species.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Canadaspis?
Burgess Shale fossils preserve valves, eyes, limbs, gills and gut; its exact arthropod position remains debated.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS