Understanding What a Trilobite Is
A trilobite was an ancient marine animal that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. It had a hard shell, multiple legs, and a segmented body shaped like a small shield.
When Trilobites Lived
Trilobites first appeared over 500 million years ago and went extinct around 252 million years ago. They existed long before dinosaurs.
How Trilobites Looked
They had three main body parts: a head, a segmented middle section, and a tail. Many trilobites could roll up like modern pill bugs to protect themselves.
Where Trilobites Lived
These creatures lived on the seafloor, in shallow oceans around the world. Their fossils are found on every continent, making them easy to study.
Why Trilobites Are Important
Trilobite fossils help scientists understand early animal evolution. They reveal how ancient oceans worked and how life adapted over millions of years.
The Simple Takeaway
Trilobites were early marine animals with hard shells and segmented bodies. Their fossils provide key clues about Earth’s ancient past.