Matthevia

Matthevia
Matthevia
Temporal range: Cambrian
Plates of Matthevia. Coin: 19 mm diameter
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: †Paleoloricata
Family: †Mattheviidae
Genus: Matthevia
Walcott, 1885

Matthevia is a Cambrian mollusc, perhaps related to the chitons.[1] It consists of repeated monoplacophoran-like shells; according to one hypothesis, chitons arose when these tall shells began to overlap over the generations. The tall element of the shell was retained and forms the tips of modern chiton plates.[1] There are distinct head, 'centre', and tail valves, which occur approximately in the ratio 1:5:1 — suggesting a seven-plated configuration.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Runnegar, B.; Pojeta J, J. (Oct 1974). "Molluscan Phylogeny: the Paleontological Viewpoint". Science 186 (4161): 311–317. Bibcode 1974Sci...186..311R. doi:10.1126/science.186.4161.311. JSTOR 1739764. PMID 17839855.  edit
  2. ^ Runnegar, B.; Pojeta, J.; Taylor, M. E.; Collins, D. (1979). "New Species of the Cambrian and Ordovician Chitons Matthevia and Chelodes from Wisconsin and Queensland: Evidence for the Early History of Polyplacophoran Mollusks". Journal of Paleontology 53 (6): 1374–1394. doi:10.2307/1304140.  edit
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