Trilobite Family: Diversity (2 of 2)

Copyright: Paleogirl on deviantArt

However, the most important role of Trilobites for scientists is in estimating the ages of other fossils.  Because They lived throughout in the entire Paleozoic Era, Trilobites are often found with other fossils of this Era.  Since Trilobites evolved into being an extremely diverse Class of animals, their fossils can be used to pin-point the particular time periods of the other fossils.

            Being diverse was the key to the longevity of Trilobites as a species.  During the Cambrian Period (600 mya), four Orders of Trilobites came into being.  During the Cambrian Mass Extinction Event (500 mya), one Order did go extinct.  However during the Ordovician Period (450 mya), two new Orders emerged, who colonized the new coral reefs.  Only one Order of Trilobites survived the Devonian Extinction Event (350 mya).  This meant that the Class of Trilobita (Trilobites) was bottlenecked into the Proetida Order who lived in both deep and shallow waters.  These small Trilobites had unusually large eyes and spines on either side of their heads.  When life was pushed to the brink of extinction during the Permian Great Dying (about 250 mya), this final group of Trilobites died out.

            This great diversity enabled Trilobites to exist for over 300 million years, longer than many other species.  Paleontologists could find these animals in every marine environment in every shape and size.  But as Trilobites lost their ability to adapt and to become more diverse, They declined in numbers and eventually went extinct.

            From Trilobites, we learn that the key to survival is to be adaptable and diverse.  Moreover, the most important aspect to staying strong is embracing diversity.  When Trilobites ceased to adapt, They died out.  When we refuse accept diversity, we should remember the final fate of Trilobites.  Let Trilobites show you how to adapt successfully.
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