Time Out for Trilobites

Trilobites were prominent in the seas from about 570 to 500 million years ago. In fact, over 90 percent of the fossils known from that time are trilobites!

Trilobites had well-developed heads. Some species even had eyes that were very efficient. Their abdomens were divided into many segments, each with a pair of legs for walking, swimming, or getting food. Their last segments were joined together to form solid tails. Paleontologists think that some trilobites could curl up when scared, just as wood lice (“roly-poly” bugs or sow bugs) do today.

Later, other creatures became more plentiful in the oceans, but trilobites were around for about 325 million years. During that time, they evolved into a variety of sizes and shapes, often with strange spines and bumps.

Complete the second trilobite of each pair by drawing in details to match the first one. Then use your imagination to design some of your own trilobites in a sea scene. Color your drawings.