The cuticle of the aglaspidid arthropods, a red-herring in the early history of the vertebrates |
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| Authors: | DEREK E. G. BRIGGS RICHARD A. FORTEY |
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| Affiliation: | Derek E. G. Briggs, Goldsmiths' College, University of London, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW, England;Richard A. Fortey, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, England;27th April, 1981. |
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| Abstract: | The supposed early vertebrate Anatolepis has recently been reinterpreted by Peel (1979; Rapp. Gr∅nl. Geol. Unders. 91 ) as an arthropod, probably aglaspidid. The cuticle of Aglaspis shows a characteristic arthropodan structure, including laminations and ducts, but it is apparently composed of primary phosphate. Apart from composition, the skeletal histology of Anatolepis is totally different, and this, together with more general considerations, eliminates any possibility of arthropod affinity. Anatolepis remains the earliest known vertebrate. Aglaspididae, cuticle, ultrastructure, Vertebrata, Upper Cambrian. |
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