Helicocystis

Helicocystis
Temporal range:
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Stem group: Echinodermata
Family: †Helicocystitidae
Genus: †Helicocystis
Species:
†H. moroccoensis
Binomial name
†Helicocystis moroccoensis
Smith & Zamora, 2013[1]

Helicocystis is an extinct genus of early echinoderm known from the Jbel Wawrmast Formation of Morocco, dating to the Cambrian Stage 5 (approximately 507 million years ago). It represents a significant transitional fossil in the evolutionary history of echinoderms, as it possesses a pentaradial (five-fold) body plan while maintaining characteristics of more primitive, spiral-shaped ancestors.[1]

Description

Helicocystis (right) and several reconstructions and diagrams of helicoplacoids

The Helicocystis can be described as a stalked, spiralling pentaradial echinoderm known from the Cambrian Jbel Wawrmast Formation. The approximate length is between 5 and 20 millimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inches)[2]

Ecology

Like other early echinoderms, Helicocystis was a marine organism that fed on plankton.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 Smith, A. B.; Zamora, S. (2013). "Cambrian spiral-plated echinoderms from Gondwana reveal the earliest pentaradial body plan". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 280 (1765) 20131197. doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.1197. PMC 3712455. PMID 23804624.
  2. 1 2 "Mindat.org". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2026-04-24.


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