Myoscolex
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phylum:incertae sedis
Genus:†Myoscolex
| Myoscolex Temporal range: Early Cambrian | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Myoscolex ateles | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | †Myoscolex |
| Type species | |
| †Myoscolex ateles Glaessner, 1979 | |
Myoscolex is an early animal known from the Cambrian Emu Bay Shale in South Australia. It is of unknown affinity but has been interpreted as an annelid[1][2][3] and as an arthropod close to Opabinia.[4][5] Myoscolex is the earliest known example of phosphotized muscle tissue, and as to which shows distinct annulation.[5]
Myoscolex ateles derives its name from Greek, "Myo-" meaning muscle, "Scolex" meaning worm, and "Ateles" meaning incomplete. This definition of "Incomplete muscle worm" is due to its initial identification as a "muscular" annelid worm with indistinct features after fossilization.[6]
