View original imageThis is an original generative reconstruction, not a photograph or scientific plate.
515 / Paleozoic
Odaraia
Odaraia alata
A broad bivalved shell enclosed most of the body and a three-pronged tail steered it.
- Time range
- About 508 million years ago
- Final stage
- Middle Cambrian
- Geographic range
- Open shallow-water column · Canada
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Odaraia?
Odaraia (Odaraia alata) was an extinct organism known from About 508 million years ago, with a range in Open shallow-water column · Canada.
Life and ecology
It may have swum inverted or sideways and filtered tiny food with dense limbs.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Odaraia disappear?
Later swimming filter-feeding arthropod communities replaced the species.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Odaraia?
Complete impressions preserve eyes, valves, limbs and tail; posture remains functional inference.
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