Page 142 - The Cambrian Evidence that Darwin Failed to Comprehend

The Cambrian Evidence That Darwin Failed to Comprehend

Olenellidae
Olenellus Head

Eye

Thorax

Pleural region

Tail

Pairs of appendages protruded from each section of the trilobite. Jointed legs,
branchial appendages and a segmented structure containing the internal organs
made up the thorax. The head, with its complex eyes, also possessed antennae,
which served as feelers.

From each section comprising the trilobite emerged a pair of
appendages. Generally, that section containing the internal organs
lay in the middle of the organism. Outside the legs were three other
branches. The two outer ones were the branchial appendages—gills
that the trilobite used to breathe and absorbe oxygen in the sea wa-
ter, just as all arthropods must do. 103
Examined under magnification, the antennae projecting from
the trilobite’s head were noticed. Again, they consisted of segments,
and were the advance guard of the arthropod body. These antennae
performed the tasks carried out by the fingers and nose, and permit-
ted the creature to acquire detailed knowledge of its surroundings.
In the trilobite, these structures were incomparably more complex
than in any pre-Cambrian life form.
One organ in particular had a structure that optic physicians

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