oddball

Look: Ancient shrimp-like creature sheds light on an evolutionary mystery

This five-eyed wonder is no longer in a class of its own.

by Jennifer Walter
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Artist's depiction of Utaurora comosa, a segmented creature with flaps on its sides, several eyes, a...
F. Anthony

Shutterstock

During the Cambrian period, Earth’s oceans exploded with new species of swimming, segmented invertebrates — many that look more alien than Earthly.

Shutterstock

Take Opabinia regalis, for example.

The shrimp-like creature sported five beady eyes and a trunk-like appendage, used to shovel food into its mouth — kind of like an elephant.

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