Wiwaxia is an extinct genus of soft-bodied marine animals that lived during the Cambrian period, approximately 505 million years ago. It is known for its unique, shell-like structures and elongated body, which were covered in spines or scales. Fossils of Wiwaxia have been found in various locations, providing insights into early marine ecosystems. These creatures are believed to have been slow-moving grazers, feeding on microorganisms and algae on the ocean floor. Wiwaxia is often studied in relation to other early life forms, such as trilobites and annelids, helping scientists understand the evolution of complex life in the oceans.