Palaeozoic Era

Over 95% of all animal species are invertebrates—animals without backbones. Invertebrates originated in marine waters (oceans and seas), and diversified greatly during the Palaeozoic Era. This exhibit highlights the incredible diversity of animal life during the Palaeozoic Era.


A child examines a cast of the large armoured fish Dunkleosteus.

Dunkleosteus could quickly open and close its jaw, like modern day suction feeders.