cambrian explosion

Eximipriapulus, a type of Priaulid (Priapulan) worm that lived approximately 500 million years ago occupying the shell of a deceased creature. Priapulids (Priapulans) are still around today and are commonly called "penis worms". Credit: Zhang Xiguang

Ancient Squatters: Hermit Behavior in Cambrian “Penis worms” (Priapulids)

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Move over, hermit crabs! A 2021 paper published in the journal Current Biology suggests similar shell-occupying behavior in an unexpected source: Cambrian priapulid (priapulan) worms, also known as “penis worms” due to their gross morphology (overall shape of the organism) bearing a remarkable similarity to the human penis. World class quality “penis worm” fossils can be found at the Walcott […]

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Sidneyia fossil with Sidneyia model

The Cambrian Explosion and the Burgess Shale

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Cambrian Explosion The early Cambrian period marks one of the most spectacular evolutionary events in the history of life – The Cambrian Explosion. This was an explosion of life. Within ten million years, a very short period geologically, a host of hard-body and soft-body animals appeared in the fossil record. Trilobites, molluscs, chordates, cnidarians, brachiopods and

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A Geoscience Guide to the Burgess Shale, Cover

Burgess Shale Books: Where can I find more information on the Burgess Shale?

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If you are booked to come on one of our hikes or are just interested in the Burgess Shale, here are some great Burgess Shale books to help you learn more.  A Geoscience Guide to the Burgess Shale – This easy-to-read illustrated guide immerses the reader in the history, geology, environment and, most importantly, the

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Leanchoilia an arthropod, from the Qingjiang fossil site

Qingjiang biota: A Burgess Shale type deposit in China

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The Qingjiang biota, a newly discovered fossil site in China, is a treasure trove for paleontologists studying the Cambrian explosion, when life on Earth suddenly and massively expanded in diversity about 500 million years ago. More than 2,000 specimens were found at the 518 million-year-old site, and half of those specimens represent species of animals that

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