The morphologic and paleobiogeographic implications of a new early Silurian echinoid from Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada

Researchers have uncovered a new genus and species of early Silurian echinoid, Anticostiechinus petryki, from Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada. This discovery sheds light on the initial diversification of sea urchins during the lower Paleozoic era. The morphology of A. petryki's tubercles and spines is atypical for echinoids, featuring rounded, concave indentations for spine articulation and subspherical spine bases. Belonging to the family Echinocystitidae, this find expands the known diversity and distribution of this family during the Silurian and Devonian periods, providing valuable insights into the paleobiogeography of echinocystitids.

Thompson, J. R., Ausich, W. I., & Cournoyer, M. E. (2022). The morphologic and paleobiogeographic implications of a new early Silurian echinoid from Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 59(12), 973–983. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjes-2022-0028