Cambroproteus

Cambroproteus
Temporal range: Miaolingian
Juvenile and adult C. lemdadensis resting on Acadoparadoxides sp.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Clade: †Artiopoda
Class: †Trilobita
Order: †Ptychopariida
Genus: †Cambroproteus
Geyer, 2015
Species:
†C. lemdadensis
Binomial name
†Cambroproteus lemdadensis
Geyer, 2015

Cambroproteus is a genus of ptychopariid trilobite from the Cambrian series 2 and Miaolingian of Morocco. It has a single known species, Cambroproteus lemdadensis, whose various features are shared with disparate groups of other ptychopariids, which make it difficult to place within other established ptychopariid families.

Etymology

The generic name translates as "Cambrian Proteus." This is in reference to the situation of how its varied features stymy understanding of its placement within Ptychopariida, effectively making it a marine shapeshifter.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 G. Geyer. 2015. Exotic trilobites from the Lower–Middle Cambrian boundary interval in Morocco and their bearing on the Cambrian Series 3 lower boundary. Paläontologische Zeitschrift 89:749-781