Burgess Shale biota

The Burgess Shale biota refers to a remarkable collection of fossilized creatures from the Cambrian period, around 505 million years ago, found in the Burgess Shale formation in Canada. This site is famous for its well-preserved soft-bodied organisms, offering a glimpse into early marine life and the emergence of complex ecosystems. The fossils include a diverse array of species, some of which are ancestors of modern animals. The discovery of the Burgess Shale has significantly advanced our understanding of evolutionary biology and the diversity of life during the Cambrian explosion, a pivotal moment in Earth's history.