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Trilobites are a group of extinct marine arthropods that lived from approximately 521 to 252 million years ago, during the Paleozoic era. They are one of the most diverse and abundant groups of early animals, with over 20,000 species described. Trilobites are characterized by their segmented bodies, which consist of a cephalon (head), thorax, and pygidium (tail). The cephalon typically bears a pair of compound eyes, while the thorax is composed of multiple segments, each bearing a pair of appendages. The pygidium is usually shield-like and bears a terminal fan of appendages.

Trilobites are classified into several subclasses, including the Asaphida, which are characterized by their long, slender bodies and small eyes, and the Phacopida, which have larger, more complex eyes. Trilobites are believed to have been active predators, feeding on a variety of prey, including other trilobites, mollusks, and small crustaceans. They are also known to have been important members of their ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey.

The extinction of trilobites is thought to have been caused by a combination of factors, including changes in ocean chemistry, increased competition from other arthropods, and the impact of large meteorites. Despite their eventual extinction, trilobites have left a lasting legacy in the fossil record, with their remains found in rocks around the world. They are also an important group for understanding the evolution of early animals and the history of life on Earth.