Phytophilaspis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Phytophilaspis Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | †Artiopoda |
| Order: | †Xandarellida |
| Genus: | †Phytophilaspis Ivantsov, 1999[1] |
| Species | |
| |
Phytophilaspis is a phosphatized[2] genus of trilobite-like arthropod with eyes, found in association with algal remains.[1] It dwelt in well-lit, shallow waters.[3]
Phytophilaspis has several features in common with trilobites, including: tripartite division of the dorsal shield; presence of prominent pygidium; large eyes, situated on the pleural area of the cephalon; facial sutures, and shape of the hypostome. However, it differs from trilobites in many ways, including a reduced thorax, thoracic pleura fused to each other and to the cephalon and pygidium, facial sutures not crossing the eyes, and weak original mineralization of the cuticle.[1] Because of these differences, Phytophilaspis was originally assigned to the Artiopodan subclass Concilliterga, in an undetermined order and family.[1] It was later considered by Bergström and Hou as a xandarellid, along with Cindarella, Xandarella and Sinoburius.[4] A position that was supported in subsequent studies.[5]
