Apex Predators and Fossils

Paleozoic

Apex predator: Sponge

Cambrian

Apex predator: Anomalocaris

Index fossil: Trilobites

Trace fossil: Treptichnus pedum

Ordovician

Apex predator: Nautiloids and Seastars

Index fossil: Graptolites and Conodonts

Silurian

Apex predator: Eurypterids (sea scorpions) and Nautiloids

Devonian

Apex predator: Dunkleosteus/Placoderm

Penn-Permian

Index fossil: Fusilinids

Permian

Reptile that dominated the Permian: Synapsid