SafekipediaOlenellidae
Adapted from Wikipedia Ā· Discoverer experience
Olenellidae is an extinct family of redlichiid trilobite arthropods. These ancient creatures lived during the late Lower Cambrian period, specifically in what scientists call the Olenellus-zone. They were mainly found in the former paleocontinent of Laurentia and parts of what is now Argentina.
What makes Olenellids special is a unique feature in their heads. They had a part called the glabella where two sections partially merged, creating two isolated slits. This helped scientists tell them apart from other similar trilobites. Studying these tiny sea creatures helps us learn about life on Earth many millions of years ago.
Key to the subfamilies
| 1 | The angle in the back rim of the cephalon is less than 15Ā°. Genal spines are reaching back no further than the 6th thorax segment. Spine on the 15th thorax segment almost as wide as the axis. ā Olenellinae |
|---|---|
| - | The angle in the back rim of the cephalon is more than 25Ā°. Genal spines are reaching back at least to the 8th thorax segment. spine on the 15th thorax segment less than half as wide as the axis. ā Mesonacinae |
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