Explore this animal in Size of Extinct Animals ↗
253 / Paleozoic
Naraoia
Naraoia compacta
Two large shields covered a soft body equipped with fully segmented trilobite-like limbs.
View original image · 1536 × 1024- Time range
- About 518–508 million years ago
- Final stage
- Middle Cambrian
- Geographic range
- Shallow to deep muddy seas · China and Canada
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Naraoia?
Naraoia (Naraoia compacta) was an extinct organism known from About 518–508 million years ago, with a range in Shallow to deep muddy seas · China and Canada.
Life and ecology
Naraoia was a lightly armored artiopodan that moved across the seabed, stirring sediment for detritus and tiny prey.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Naraoia disappear?
Soft-bodied artiopodans declined as more mineralized and specialized arthropods diversified.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Naraoia?
Chengjiang and Burgess Shale fossils preserve eyes, antennae, legs, gills and gut.
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