Literature review: Cambrian Radiodonts: a Swiss Army knife of arthropod appendages

Introduction

The Cambrian period, a pivotal moment in the history of life on Earth, witnessed the emergence of a remarkable array of multicellular organisms, among which were the Radiodonts. These extinct arthropods, characterized by their multifunctional appendages, played a crucial role in the Cambrian ecosystems. The diverse and complex nature of their appendages, often likened to a "Swiss Army knife", has drawn considerable attention from paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. This literature review aims to synthesize existing research on Radiodonts, focusing on the morphology, functionality, and evolutionary significance of their appendages.

Evolutionary Background and Discovery

1. Historical Perspective and Significance
   - The first fossils of Radiodonts, particularly famous genera like *Anomalocaris*, were initially misunderstood, with their appendages misidentified as separate organisms [1]. It was not until the late 20th century that a cohesive picture of these animals began to emerge [2]. The discovery and subsequent understanding of Radiodonts filled a crucial gap in our knowledge of early animal evolution and the Cambrian explosion.

2. Phylogenetic Context
   - Radiodonts are positioned within the stem group of Arthropoda, offering critical insights into the early evolutionary stages of t