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Opabinia regalis (Burgess Shale)
NameOpabinia regalis (Burgess Shale)
Scientific NameOpabinia regalis
Common NameOpabinia
Geologic PeriodCambrian
Geologic Erapaleozoic
Age (Million Years Ago)508
Discovery LocationBurgess Shale, Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, Canada
Geological FormationBurgess Shale Formation
Dimensions (cm)Not specified, but typical specimens of Opabinia regalis range from 4 to 7 cm in length.
Taxonomic ClassificationAnimalia Arthropoda (stem-group) Dinocaridida Opabinida Opabiniidae Opabinia Opabinia regalis
Type of Fossilimpression
Preservation Qualityexceptional
DietPredator/Scavenger
HabitatMarine (benthic, likely in deep-water environments)
Rarityrare
Description
A fossil impression of Opabinia regalis, an extinct marine arthropod relative from the Middle Cambrian. The specimen clearly shows the segmented body and lateral gill-like flaps. The distinctive five eyes and frontal proboscis, characteristic of Opabinia, are not clearly discernible in this specific image but are known features of the species.
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