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DROTOPS MEGALOMANICUS TRILOBITE Atlas Mountains, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago Quite substantial in size, these large, fine grade Drotops trilobite specimens are a fantastic display fossil! Commonly labeled as Phacops africanus, the correct scientific name is Drotops megalomanicus. Since most trilobites are less than a couple of inches in length, these are monsters and perfect for show. These are the largest Devonian trilobites in the world and the fossils of this species are known for their high relief and fascinating detail as seen in the photos above. This nice quality yet, affordable specimen has a nice overall display appearance and articulation to its body. There is only about 5% restoration overall to this specimen, mainly to the tops of the eyes. There is exceptional fine anatomical detail across the entire head and body with beautiful dark color to the carapace. The limestone matrix is substantial in thickness and has been completely cleaned. Because genuine Drotops megalomanicus specimens have become rare and seldom available, fakes abound in the marketplace and in online auctions. Like all our specimens, we guarantee the authenticity of this specimen offered here. Similar to all trilobites found in the world, the only way these are located is to break the trilobite-bearing rock therefore, repair and some restoration to the break is unavoidable.
Next to dinosaur fossils, trilobites command a dedicated and passionate following amongst both scientists and fossil collectors, alike. In a relatively short time-frame (scientifically speaking, of course), we have the emergence and subsequent extinction of these fascinating creatures. Still most baffling is the incredible diversity of sizes and features that made up the trilobite group. Many bizarre species co-existed with highly specialized body parts that defy the theories of evolution in their "sudden" emergence and diversity during the Early Cambrian Period in what is known as the 'Cambrian Explosion'. Trilobites were among the world's first arthropods, a phylum of hard-shelled creatures with multiple body segments and jointed legs (although the legs, antennae and other finer structures of trilobites only very rarely are preserved). They constitute an extinct class of arthropods, Trilobita, that is comprised of over 15,000 known species. It has been reported that every year, four to five new species are discovered in the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountain regions in Morocco, alone! This desolate northern fringe of the Sahara Desert was once covered by a prehistoric ocean and its fossil deposits can be considered the world's richest and most diverse source of these ancient sea creatures. Trilobites are the single most diverse group of extinct organisms that ever existed, period! The smallest known trilobite is just three millimeters long, while the largest type grew to a length of 70 centimeters (over two feet long!). The most common fossil of trilobites is the mineralized dorsal exoskeleton of the creature. This is found in partial form from molting (shedding the shell as it grows) or in complete form when the animal was buried and died intact. The soft parts of the underside are rarely preserved. The name 'TRILOBITE' means 'three lobed" and is derived from the fact these animals had bodies featuring three longitudinal lobes, not lateral (head, body, tail) as is often thought. The lateral division of three parts is shared by many arthropods, not just trilobites. Considerable study has been done on trilobites as a whole organism. Even more fascinating though, is the research done on a microscopic level with regards to trilobite morphology. Radiographs have captured incredible detail of complete and fully articulated antennae and underparts like legs and gills, preserved in the host rock of some fossilized specimens. Perhaps the most impressive and classic feature of trilobites that comes to mind is the eyes. Microscopic studies of trilobite eye structures have also revealed marvelous adaptation and very high degrees of specialization in vision. It seems that the more we learn about trilobites, the unfolding of their mystery is stranger than fiction. Certainly we gain a greater appreciation with each new discovery of these strange and highly advanced but now extinct 'butterflies of the ancient seas'. EXCELLENT HIGHLY DETAILED SPECIMEN IN FANTASTIC OVERALL PRESERVATION Overall size with matrix 5" x 5", trilobite is 5" long SOLD TR10-020 Actual Item - One Only |
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