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Published: 2010-10-13 02:41:29 +0000 UTC; Views: 518; Favourites: 10; Downloads: 15
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Description
Pterygotus (meaning wing-animal or finned one) is the second-largest known eurypterid, or sea scorpion and one of the largest arthropods of all time. It could reach a length of 2.3 m (about 7 feet), had a pair of tremendous compound eyes, as well as another pair of smaller eyes in the center of its head, and 4 pairs of walking legs, a fifth pair modified into swimming paddles, as well as a pair of large chelae (pincers) for the subduing of prey. The foremost 6 tergites, or tail sections, contained gills and the reproductive organs of the animal. The larger pair of Pterygotus' eyes strongly suggests that it was a visually oriented predator. It used its paddles to swim, though, it could probably accelerate by using its tail as a third paddle. The beast is popularly reconstructed by artists in the act of violently capturing primitive fish.-Wikipedia