The Cambrian Period saw the emergence of the first groups with hard body parts, such as early arthropods with armored exoskeletons made of a tough material rich in carbon called chitin. These adaptations allowed these armored creatures to thrive and expand in huge numbers throughout the world’s oceans.
Related Posts
We’ve Found This Fossil the Most
Trilobites, one of the most successful ancient animals, were first documented by fossil collector Edward Lhwyd in the…
How did birds survive while dinosaurs went extinct?
It wasn’t flying that gave birds the advantage. Corey Ford/Stocktrek Images via Getty Images Chris Lituma, West Virginia…
Spinosaurus: A Century of Shifting Paradigms in Paleontology
Once a mystery fossil lost to war, Spinosaurus has transformed into one of paleontology’s most debated dinosaurs—reimagined as a semi-aquatic predator, yet still stirring controversy over how it truly lived.
Arthropleura: The Biggest Millipede Ever (So Far)
The vast expanse of Earth’s natural history has seen the planet play host to fantastic creatures like dinosaurs…