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Scientists have found a new creature from the Cambrian period. Its name is Mosura fentoni. This small animal is about the size of a finger. It has three eyes, claws, and flappy limbs. It was discovered in Canada’s Burgess Shale, a famous fossil site.
Mosura is part of a group called radiodonts. This group also includes Anomalocaris, a larger creature known for its sharp limbs and teeth. Mosura had a round mouth for eating and paddle-like limbs for swimming. It also had a tail with 16 sections that had gills for breathing.
Scientists are not sure why Mosura needed so many gills. It might have lived in areas with less oxygen or it could have been very active. The shape of Mosura earned it the nickname “sea-moth.” Even though it is called a moth, it is not close to real moths.
This creature helps scientists learn about life from more than 500 million years ago. Many fossils were found in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, areas known for well-preserved sea creatures.
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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
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Cambrian/ˈkeɪm.bri.ən/adjective
Relating to a major division of the geological time scale spanning from about 541 to 485 million years ago.
Creature/ˈkriː.tʃər/noun
A living being especially an animal.
Fossil/ˈfɒs.ɪl/noun
The remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.
Gills/ɡɪlz/noun
The respiratory organ of aquatic animals enabling them to extract oxygen from water.
Active/ˈæktɪv/adjective
Engaging in action; lively and vigorous.
Preserved/prɪˈzɜːrvd/verb
To maintain or keep in good condition; to protect from loss or harm.
