Cambroproteus is a genus of ptychopariid trilobite from the Late Cambrian of Morocco.[1] It has a single known species, Cambroproteus lemdadensis, whose various features are shared with disparate groups of other ptychopariids, which make it difficult to place within other established ptychopariid families.[1]

Cambroproteus
Temporal range: Miaolingian
Juvenile and adult C. lemdadensis resting on Acadoparadoxides sp.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Trilobita
Order: Ptychopariida
Genus: Cambroproteus
Species:
C. lemdadensis
Binomial name
Cambroproteus lemdadensis
Geyer 2015[1]

Etymology

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The generic name translates as "Cambrian Proteus."[1] This is in reference to the situation of how its varied features stymy understanding of its placement within Ptychopariida, effectively making it a marine shapeshifter.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e G. Geyer. 2015. Exotic trilobites from the Lower–Middle Cambrian boundary interval in Morocco and their bearing on the Cambrian Series 3 lower boundary. Paläontologische Zeitschrift 89:749-781