Asaphids

Asaphids are an extinct order of trilobites. They were a very successful and widespread group, living from the Cambrian period to the end of the Silurian period, with some lineages surviving into the Devonian. Asaphids are characterized by a relatively smooth exoskeleton, often lacking prominent ornamentation. A common feature is the opisthoparia, a suture that runs from the edge of the carapace to the margin of the glabella. The glabella itself is usually broad and relatively featureless.

The eyes of asaphids are typically small and located on the sides of the head. Many asaphids, particularly those from the Ordovician, are known for their blind or reduced-eye forms, which may have been an adaptation to deep-water or subterranean environments. Their fossils are found globally, indicating a wide distribution across the ancient oceans. Asaphids represent a significant component of Paleozoic marine ecosystems. Their evolutionary history provides insights into the diversification and eventual extinction of trilobite groups. The order Asaphida contains numerous families and genera, showcasing a remarkable variety in size and morphology within the group, despite their shared defining characteristics.