• Natural Sciences -> Geology and paleontology

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How do Trilobites fit into the larger picture of Earth's evolution and history?

Arah MacShane

We all know that the Earth is old. Very old. Like, older than your grandma. But have you ever wondered what was going on with all those rocks and stuff when there was no one around to take selfies on them? Well, I'm here to talk about one of the coolest creatures to ever crawl on this planet: Trilobites.

Trilobites were a group of marine arthropods that lived from about the Cambrian period to the end of the Permian, roughly 540 to 250 million years ago. That's a long time, so let's put it into perspective: trilobites lived through five mass extinction events, which is kind of like living through five global pandemics and still being able to go out and party like there's no tomorrow.

But what makes trilobites so special? For starters, they were incredibly diverse. They ranged in size from a few millimeters to over 70 centimeters, and came in all sorts of shapes and colors. Some had giant eyes that covered half their heads, while others had spiky exoskeletons for protection. Basically, they were the peacocks of the ancient seas.

Trilobites were also incredibly successful. They were found in almost every environment imaginable, from shallow seas to deep ocean trenches. Plus, they were around for so long that they saw the rise and fall of countless other species. They were like the OG influencers, paving the way for all the cool new creatures to come.

But perhaps the most interesting thing about trilobites is what they can tell us about the evolution of life on Earth. See, trilobites were some of the earliest animals to have complex eyes, which helped them navigate their surroundings and hunt for food. They also had a sophisticated digestive system, with multiple stomach chambers that allowed them to break down tough plant material. In other words, trilobites were pioneers in the game of life, paving the way for more complex organisms to come.

It's also worth noting that trilobites went extinct around the same time as the dinosaurs, during the mass extinction event at the end of the Permian period. But unlike the dinos, trilobites didn't leave behind any descendants. So while they may be gone, their legacy lives on in the countless other creatures that have followed in their footsteps.

In conclusion, trilobites were badass. They were diverse, successful, and key players in the evolution of life on this planet. So the next time you're out there on the 'gram, trying to make a name for yourself, just remember: trilobites did it first.