Vastinacea

Vastinacea is a hypothetical genus of extinct marine invertebrates. Its classification remains uncertain, with some paleontologists suggesting affinities with early echinoderms or potentially a separate phylum entirely. Fossil evidence of Vastinacea is scarce, primarily consisting of small, calcified plates and fragments found in Cambrian-era sedimentary rocks. These fragments typically exhibit a radial or bilateral symmetry and possess microscopic pores or channels, indicative of a porous skeletal structure.

The ecological role of Vastinacea is largely unknown due to the limited fossil record. Based on the fine sediment in which its remains are sometimes found, it is speculated that Vastinacea may have inhabited soft-bottom marine environments. Its size is estimated to have been small, likely ranging from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters. The function of its calcified structures is also a subject of debate, with theories ranging from structural support to defense against predation, or even a role in nutrient absorption. Further research and discoveries are needed to better understand the biology and evolutionary significance of Vastinacea.