Conway Morris, S.; Caron, J.-B.
morphology · topology · taxonomy
Orthrozanclus combines an anterior shell, Wiwaxia-like sclerites and long spines; the proposed Halwaxiida and its lophotrochozoan position are morphology-matrix hypotheses.
Orthrozanclus reburrus combines a prominent anterior shell, three sclerite zones and long marginal spines in one articulated body; Halwaxiida and its position near early molluscan or broader lophotrochozoan branches are matrix-based hypotheses rather than observed ancestry.
claim:event:orthrozanclus-halwaxiid-mosaicOne articulated Orthrozanclus body combines an anterior shell, three sclerite zones and marginal spines; Halwaxiida placement is a character-matrix hypothesis, not observed molluscan ancestry.
claim:taxon:orthrozanclusThe molluscan-origin dossier is a navigation route through contested Kimberella affinity and the Orthrozanclus character mosaic; it does not define crown Mollusca, a direct ancestor chain or a global origin date.
claim:taxon:molluscan-origin-dossiers