shieldbacks

Shieldbacks are a group of extinct marine arthropods belonging to the class Trilobitomorpha. They are characterized by a flattened, shield-like carapace that covers the anterior portion of their body, which is where their name originates. This carapace is often large and prominent, extending over the head and the first few segments of the thorax. The exact taxonomic classification of shieldbacks within trilobitomorpha is a subject of ongoing research and debate among paleontologists. They are typically found in marine sedimentary rocks dating from the Cambrian period.

Fossil evidence indicates that shieldbacks possessed a segmented body typical of trilobites, though they lacked the characteristic three-lobed longitudinal division found in true trilobites. Instead, their body plan often featured a broader, more uniform segmentation. Their appendages and internal anatomy are poorly understood due to the limited fossil record, but it is presumed they were benthic organisms, likely dwelling on or near the seafloor. Their diet is also uncertain, with possibilities including detritus feeding or predation on small invertebrates. The ecological role of shieldbacks in Cambrian ecosystems remains an area of scientific inquiry.