Kilodaulids
Kilodaulids are a proposed clade of enigmatic marine invertebrates known only from fossil impressions dating to the late Precambrian through the early Paleozoic. The group is defined by a combination of soft-bodied preservation and repetitive dorsal elements, but the exact anatomy is poorly understood due to incomplete fossils. The name kilodaulid reflects historical descriptions of their "cell-like" plates and segmented appearance, though etymology varies by author.
Taxonomy and phylogeny: Kilodaulids occupy a disputed position in the animal family tree. Some workers have
Morphology: Across specimens, kilodaulids display a slender to rounded body plan with a succession of paired
Ecology and life history: Most reconstructions suggest a benthic, slow-moving lifestyle, possibly grazing or filter-feeding microbe-rich
Distribution and preservation: Kilodaulid fossils have been recovered from several palaeocontinents in rocks ranging from late
Significance: As an enigmatic, poorly preserved group, kilodaulids highlight early experimentation in animal body plans and