Supplementary material from "Revisiting abnormalities of trilobite Paradoxides davidis from Manuels River, Canada, alongside additional abnormal specimens from Porth-y-rhaw, Wales"

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Authors: Mahata, Adrish, Stephen Pates
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Abstract

Trilobites, one of the most abundant and diverse Paleozoic groups, often preserve abnormalities on their calcium carbonate exoskeletons. These abnormalities have been characterised by the presence of aberrant circular or oval structures, the partial removal, distortion, or addition of segments. Abnormalities are generally attributed to pathologies, genetic complications, or injuries. Abnormalities on Paradoxides davidis specimens from Manuels River, Canada (Cambrian: Drumian) were previously attributed to developmental aberrations. This study revisits these abnormalities from Manuels River and describes new abnormal P. davidis specimens from the type locality for the species, Porth-y-rhaw, Wales, UK (Cambrian: Drumian), and argues that these abnormalities resulted from injuries rather than developmental aberration. Analyses of injury location and frequency show an increased concentration towards the posterior. A cannibalistic lifestyle for P. davidis is possible, based on the large size of injuries.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Paleontology and Stratigraphy of Fossils Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology Evolution and Paleontology Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Figshare
Publication date
1 January 2026