What is tunoelia?

Tunoelia is a genus of extinct marine arthropods that lived during the Late Cambrian period, approximately 508-505 million years ago. They belong to the family Tegopeltidae and are characterized by their flattened, shield-like exoskeletons and multiple pairs of legs.

Tunoelia had a semicircular body with a pair of large, spiny appendages at the front, which were likely used for feeding and locomotion. They had a relatively small head with well-developed compound eyes and antennae.

These arthropods are considered to be early relatives of trilobites, although they are not directly related. Fossils of Tunoelia have been found in various locations around the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia.

Overall, Tunoelia provides important insights into the evolution of arthropods and the diversity of life during the Cambrian period.