Lesson plan
Microdecemplex
Microdecemplex rolfei is the only known species of the extinct, small-bodied millipede order Microdecemplicida. This order was considered on its original description as a member of the extinct subclass Arthropleuridea, but a 2024 study suggested it belonged instead to the subclass Chilognatha. Fossils, measuring less than 5 mm in length, are known from the Panther Mountain Formation of New York State, dating to the Middle Devonian. This species apparently lacks antennae and shows sexual dimorphism in its hind legs, which may be similar in function to the telopods of male living pill-millipedes that are used to grasp females during mating.
Article summary
Microdecemplex rolfei is the only known species of the extinct, small-bodied millipede order Microdecemplicida. This order was considered on its original description as a member of the extinct subclass Arthropleuridea, but a 2024 study suggested it belonged instead to the subclass Chilognatha. Fossils, measuring less than 5 mm in length, are known from the Panther Mountain Formation of New York State, dating to the Middle Devonian. This species apparently lacks antennae and shows sexual dimorphism in its hind legs, which may be similar in function to the telopods of male living pill-millipedes that are used to grasp females during mating.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.