A lobopod is a type of soft-bodied, segmented organism that belongs to the group of animals known as Panarthropoda. These creatures are characterized by their lobopodial limbs, which are stubby and often resemble legs. Lobopods are primarily found in the fossil record, with some of the most notable examples being from the Cambrian period. Lobopods are considered important for understanding the evolution of more complex animals, including arthropods and annelids. Their unique body structure provides insights into the early development of limbs and segmentation in the animal kingdom. Fossils of lobopods help scientists trace the lineage of various modern species.