Dakorhachis
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| Dakorhachis Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Clade: | ParaHoxozoa |
| Clade: | Bilateria |
| Phylum: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | †Dakorhachis Conway Morris et al, 2020 |
| Type species | |
| †Dakorhachis thambus Conway Morris et al, 2020 | |
Dakorhachis is a Cambrian genus of enigmatic worm, from the Weeks Formation of Canada. It contains one species, Dakorhachis thambus.[1]
Dakorhachis is roughly 3 cm long and 7 mm wide, with a rounded trunk termination. The trunk lacks appendages, however around 30 bands are present which are roughly 0.8 mm wide and interpreted as segments. The main feature of Dakorhachis is the feeding apparatus. This apparatus has at least six teeth which formed a circum-oral circlet. These teeth are narrow and triangular in shape with a gently convex curve on their outer surface alongside a prominent longitudinal ridge. The inner surface is concave with very narrow ridges on the margins. These teeth seem to be fibrous, with one broken tooth showing a hollow interior. These teeth were likely composed of calcite, alongside smaller hook-like, V-shaped and rod-like structures progressively further into the mouth. Since Dakorhachis lacks fins it was almost certainly benthic, with the co-association of multiple individuals suggesting a gregarious nature. The teeth suggest it may have acted similar to antlion larvae, being semi-sessile and an ambush predator.[1]