Pikaia Reconstruction

Reconstruction of Burgess Shale Cambrian critter "Pikaia gracilens" based on the updated description published in 2024 by Mussini, Smith, Vinther, et al. (appendages originally theorized to be on the underside of the creature and analogous to snail parapodia were reinterpreted to be have been gills and pointed upward in life).

Started out as ink, watercolor paint, and watercolor-pencil, then after some procrastination I polished it up in Krita.

Publishing final illustration under Creative Commons (Attribution, Share-Alike) so it can be used on Wikipedia, or wherever.