Name: Eurypterid (pronunciation: “yu-rip’tu-rid”) - The common name is “Sea Scorption
Discovery: Holland, 1764 Although they were thought to be fish fossils, Dr. S. L. Mitchill discovered the first Eurypterid specimens in 1818. The specimens were found in the Bertie Formation in New York.
Body Size: Most were under a foot in length, though some, grew over 8 feet long, which are the largest known arthropods(an invertebrate animal) to exist.
Diet: They were probably oppurtunistic feeders, Preying on and/or scavanging on smaller animals, including smaller eurypterids.
Physical Appearance: Eurypterids have a tail, legs, and pincher like appendages. They slightly resemble scorpions, and are thus called “Sea Scorpions”. However, they are not related to true scorpions.
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