Agnostus pisiformis — a half a billion-year old pea-shaped enigma

摘要: The Cambrian arthropod Agnostus pisiformis (Wahlenberg, 1818) is not only a beautiful fossil animal, approximately 1 cm in length when adult, but also an extinct species unusually well-known from its ‘soft’ ventral cuticular structures. It moreover very useful for biostratigraphic correlation and has long research history. occurs huge numbers, all developmental stages, rocks belonging to the Alum Shale Formation Sweden. Here it can be found both shale limestone (‘Orsten’) nodules, sometimes excellently preserved. In this study, we present review of species, including account history, spatio-temporal distribution, utility, anatomy, ontogeny, inferred mode life, together with characteristics host rock. Furthermore, herein science meets art describe process how successfully were able ‘breathe life’ into important by constructing greatly enlarged highly detailed three-dimensional sculptural models. Three different versions produced, one test completely enrolled (i.e., animal protective mode), slightly gaping active ‘swimming’ mode) ‘fake SEM’ version showing actual miniscule fossils are perceived studied scanning electron microscope). Replicas such as these fulfil purposes they used well teaching outreach, allowing scientists laymen alike study minute, organisms first-hand up close. One ultimate long-term goals A. sculptures include them traveling exhibition on life seas.