Knowra Canadaspis Canadaspis Canadaspis is an extinct genus of bivalved arthropods known from Cambrian fossils, including specimens from the Burgess Shale. Its anatomy and affinities have been interpreted through exceptionally preserved fossils.
Arthropod : An invertebrate animal with a segmented body, jointed appendages, and a chitinous exoskeleton. Canadaspis is classified among arthropods, whose segmented limbs and exoskeleton frame its anatomy.
Bivalved carapace : A two-part external covering that encloses the body of some arthropods and other animals. Canadaspis's paired carapace is its most conspicuous anatomical feature.
Marrella : An extinct arthropod genus from the Burgess Shale, notable for its elaborate head spines. This abundant Burgess Shale arthropod offers a contrasting body plan from Canadaspis.
Arthropod phylogeny : The evolutionary relationships among arthropods and their extinct relatives. Canadaspis's placement depends on how its fossil traits are scored in broader evolutionary analyses.
Burgess Shale : A Middle Cambrian fossil deposit in British Columbia renowned for preserving soft-bodied marine organisms. Many influential Canadaspis fossils come from this deposit's exceptional preservation.
Biramous limb : An appendage divided into an inner branch and an outer branch. Canadaspis is reconstructed with branched appendages used in locomotion and other functions.
Waptia : An extinct bivalved arthropod genus from the Burgess Shale, with a segmented body and distinctive tail fan. Its two-valved covering invites direct comparison with Canadaspis's carapace and limbs.
Stem group : An extinct set of lineages more closely related to a living group than to any other living group, but outside its crown group. Its uncertain position may place Canadaspis near, but outside, a living arthropod lineage.
Cambrian : The geologic period from about 539 to 485 million years ago, marked by major diversification of animal life. Canadaspis lived during this period's early diversification of arthropods.
Arthropod segmentation : The division of an arthropod body into repeated segments, often grouped into functional regions. Its repeated trunk segments and appendages are central to reconstructing the animal's body plan.
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