Acanthopores

Acanthopores are a taxonomic group of extinct trilobites belonging to the order Proetida. They are characterized by the presence of spines or tubercles on their exoskeleton, particularly on the glabella and pygidium. These features are thought to have served various functions, including defense against predators or aiding in locomotion. Acanthopores are found in marine sedimentary rocks from the Devonian period, with fossils discovered in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their distinctive spiny morphology has made them easily recognizable and important for biostratigraphy, helping to date rock layers. The classification of acanthopores has undergone revisions over time as new discoveries and analytical techniques have emerged, but they remain a significant group within the Proetida. Their evolutionary history provides insights into the diversity and adaptation of trilobites during the Paleozoic Era.