trilobitomorpha

Trilobitomorpha is a subphylum of arthropods that lived during the Cambrian to the Cretaceous period, approximately 520 to 252 million years ago. The name "trilobite" comes from the three-lobed shape of their bodies, consisting of a cephalon, thorax, and pygidium. They are one of the earliest known arthropod groups and are considered to be among the most significant fossil find in Earth's history.

Fossil evidence suggests that trilobitomorphans were highly diverse and widespread, with thousands of species found on every continent. They ranged in size from a few millimeters to over one meter in length. Their bodies were divided into three sections: the head (cephalon) contained the eyes, mouth, and other sensory organs; the thorax contained the limbs and the gut; and the pygidium consisted of the tail segment. The body structure and ornamentation varied among species and were adapted to their specific environments.

Trilobites lived in a wide range of habitats, from shallow seas and river deltas to deep-sea environments. Their fossil record indicates that they fed on detritus, plankton, and other small organisms. Trilobitomorpha is divided into several orders, including Agnostida, Asaphida, Phacopida, and Proetida, among others. The study of trilobite fossils has provided valuable insights into the evolution and ecosystems of ancient Earth, serving as a vital source of information for paleontologists and geologists.