|
|
|
UNCOMMON MULTIPLE DIKELOKEPHALINA TRILOBITES ON MATRIX Mt. El Kisan - Alnif, Morocco ORDOVICIAN PERIOD: 510 million years ago For advanced trilobite collectors, this is a difficult species to locate in natural form and of a very fine displayable quality. Seldom have we located examples we thought were worth offering for sale but this one is an exception. In this specimen, we have two wonderfully preserved Dikelokephalina sp. trilobites on a single matrix plate. The occurrence of these two is natural. Multiple examples are not uncommon when found but locating the layer where these trilobites are buried and extracting high quality specimens is an elusive feat hence, their rarity on the market. Due to the nature of collecting these trilobites in shale, almost always the trilobites are damaged when the rock is split. Repair and some restoration is usually unavoidable. This rare specimen has only approximately 5% restoration mainly to the pleural and genal spines. Striated, original fossil carapace detail can be seen in many important regions of both trilobites in the above photos. This is the only specimen of this rare species we have to offer. Aside from its desirability among seasoned trilobite collectors, this is a very large and highly intriguing display fossil that will really make a lasting impression when viewed in any interior architectural setting. Both Dikelokephalina trilobites have been prepared to protrude at a level higher than the level of the matrix. This creates a really impressive effect of multi-dimensionality when the rock slab is stood up on the heavy Lucite stand which we provide, making for an immediate display of this rare fossil.
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'. BOTH RARE AND OF EXCELLENT NATURAL DETAIL AND DISPLAY APPEAL - UNCOMMON 18.5" x 15.5" overall with matrix, trilobites are 11.5" - 11" long SOLD TRX-001 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
| 3795 |
