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Hallucigenia sparsa (Burgess Shale)
NameHallucigenia sparsa (Burgess Shale)
Scientific NameHallucigenia sparsa
Common NameHallucigenia
Geologic PeriodCambrian
Geologic Erapaleozoic
Age (Million Years Ago)508
Discovery LocationBurgess Shale, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
Geological FormationBurgess Shale Formation
Dimensions (cm)0.5-5 cm
Taxonomic ClassificationAnimalia Panarthropoda Xenusia Scleropoda Hallucigeniidae Hallucigenia sparsa
Preservation Qualityexceptional
DietDetritivore/Scavenger
HabitatMarine, deep-water
Rarityrare
Description
An enigmatic, worm-like marine animal characterized by a row of seven pairs of spines on its back and seven pairs of slender, tentacle-like legs on its underside. Its unique body plan led to initial confusion regarding its orientation and classification. It is a key member of the Burgess Shale fauna, representing an early stem-group panarthropod.
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