Geranoididae

Geranoididae is a family of extinct marine arthropods belonging to the class Trilobita. These creatures lived during the Cambrian period, approximately 541 to 485.4 million years ago. Fossil evidence suggests they were benthic organisms, meaning they lived on the seafloor. Like other trilobites, Geranoididae possessed a segmented body divided into three lobes: a central glabella, a thorax, and a pygidium. Their exoskeletons were composed of chitin and calcium carbonate. The exact ecological role of Geranoididae within Cambrian ecosystems is not fully understood, but they likely occupied a niche as detritivores or scavengers, feeding on organic matter. The taxonomic classification of Geranoididae has been subject to revision as new fossil discoveries are made and analyzed. Their relatively simple morphology, compared to some later trilobite groups, places them among some of the earlier forms of these iconic Paleozoic arthropods. The distribution of Geranoididae fossils is found in specific geological formations indicative of shallow marine environments from the Cambrian. Study of their remains provides insights into the early evolution and diversification of marine life.