has abstract
| - Echinognathus is a genus of eurypterid, an extinct group of aquatic arthropods. The type and only species of Echinognathus, E. clevelandi, is known from deposits of Late Ordovician age in the United States. The generic name is derived from the New Latin echino- ("spiny") and the Greek gnáthos ("jaw"), in reference to a spiny endognathary (used to handle food) appendage part of the fossil type material. Echinognathus is only known from fragmentary fossil material, consisting of body segments, an appendage used to handle food and possibly other body segments. The genus is distinguished from other eurypterids by the large number of elongated and curved spines, blade-like in life, on its limbs. Initially assumed to represent a species of Eurypterus, these distinguishing features were quickly noticed and deemed important enough to designate Echinognathus as its own genus. With some additional fossil assigned to Echinognathus in the early 20th century, the genus was noted to be similar to Megalograptus, another eurypterid with spiny limbs. In 1955, Echinognathus and Megalograptus were placed into their own taxonomic family of eurypterids, the Megalograptidae. Based on the proportions of other eurypterids, Echinognathus would have been a medium-sized predator, reaching approximately 45 centimeters (17.7 in) in length. The spines on its limbs were presumably used for active prey capture, securing food and carrying it to the mouth. The fossils of Echinognathus are known from what was once marine environments, and it lived alongside a fauna including graptolites, brachiopods, cephalopods and trilobites. (en)
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