asteroccephalan

asterocéphalan is a term used in paleontology and evolutionary biology to refer to a group of extinct marine arthropods. These creatures are characterized by their star-shaped or radially symmetrical bodies, which is reflected in the etymology of the name, derived from the Greek words "aster" meaning star and "kephalē" meaning head. While their exact phylogenetic placement is still a subject of research and debate, they are generally considered to be related to crustaceans or chelicerates, but possess a unique combination of features that sets them apart.

Fossil evidence of asterocéphalan arthropods is found in various Paleozoic marine deposits. Their morphology typically includes a flattened, segmented body with a distinct dorsal shield. Appendages were often arranged in a radial pattern, and evidence suggests they may have been used for locomotion, feeding, or sensing their environment. The precise lifestyle and ecological role of asterocéphalan arthropods are inferred from their fossil remains and the sedimentary contexts in which they are found. They are thought to have inhabited benthic or shallow marine environments, and their diet likely varied depending on the specific species. The study of asterocéphalan arthropods contributes to our understanding of early arthropod evolution and the diversity of life in ancient oceans.