Trilobite (fossils)

The Trilobite is apart of the invertebrates group, known as Arthropods. Trilobites are one of the most important fossil groups. These segmented Arthropods were the most numerous and successful marine organisms of the Paleozoic era. The name Trilobite derived from the three lobes in which each body segment is divided. They existed during the Cambrian period 570 million years ago, and ranged in size from less than an inch to over three feet. Trilobites lived in mainly shallow waters of the ocean reef. This marine animal is a relative of the modern crab and the lobster. Trilobite occurrences are found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone's and shale. Many Trilobites have been found in the Hunsruckschiefer Fauna in Germany.