What is Kylinxia Zhangi?

About Kylinxia Zhangi

• It is an extinct arthropod that lived in the early Cambrian period, about 520 million years ago.
• The fossil of the species was uncovered near the town of Chengjiang in the Yunan Province of southern China.
• Kylinxia is among the 250 or so extremely well-preserved fossil animals described from the region, which are together known as Cambrian Chengjiang biota.
• Features:
  • It had a segmented body with a head, thorax, and abdomen.
  • Kylinxia sported three eyes on its head, along with a pair of fearsome claws that was possibly used to catch prey.
  • It had a fused head shield, a segmented trunk, and jointed legs.
  • The creature had a head with six segments, which is similar to modern insects.

What are Arthropods?

• They are invertebrates with jointed legs.
• They make up about 75% of all animals on Earth.
• They can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, from deep-sea hydrothermal vents to the highest mountains.
• Arthropods are divided into four major groups:
  • insects;
  • myriapods (including centipedes and millipedes);
  • arachnids (including spiders, mites and scorpions);
  • crustaceans (including slaters, prawn and crabs).
• They are characterized by several key features:
  • Exoskeleton: Arthropods have a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, a complex sugar. This exoskeleton serves as both protection and structural support for their bodies.
  • Segmented Bodies: They have segmented bodies, which are divided into distinct regions, including the head, thorax, and abdomen in insects. This segmentation allows for flexibility and specialization of body parts.
  • Jointed Appendages: Arthropods have jointed appendages (legs, antennae, claws, etc.) that are attached to their body segments.
  • Bilateral Symmetry: They exhibit bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies are symmetrical on both sides when divided along a central axis.
  • Open Circulatory System: Arthropods typically have an open circulatory system in which blood-like fluid called hemolymph circulates in body cavities and directly bathes the internal organs.

Q1) What are Vertebrates?

Vertebrates are a subgroup of animals within the phylum Chordata. They are characterized by the presence of a vertebral column or backbone, which is made up of a series of individual bones called vertebrae. This backbone provides structural support and protection for the spinal cord, which is a key part of the central nervous system. Vertebrates are known for their complex and well-developed internal structures. 

Source: Scientists study exquisitely preserved three-eyed predator from 520 million years ago