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FINEST GRADE SPINY DROTOPS ARMATUS TRILOBITE FOSSIL WITH FREE-STANDING COMPLETELY EXPOSED AUTHENTIC SPINES AND GOLDEN EYE Atlas Mountains, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago The mere sight of some fossils can really make an impression on the viewer regardless of any prior interest in fossils or natural history. This REMARKABLE showpiece specimen is a perfect example of that. Substantial in size and with an incredible preparation of all its original spines protruding up off its shell, this spine-armored DROTOPS trilobite is a fantastic display fossil and one of the giants of the Devonian trilobites. Much more rare than the non-spiny variety, this is a SUPREME AND SUPER RARE example of a genuine SPINY Drotops known as Drotops armatus. The left side fo the head and eye are highlighted in a golden orange hue. This is an especially spiny version with small spines exposed on the top edges of the eyes and with small spines present on the central region of the most posterior area of the pygidium. Spines are randomly present in between the longitudinal rows to the rear, as well. Another rare feature is the presence of both well-detailed eyes and a natural dark gray hue to its fossilized shell. An excessive amount of hours went into the preparation of this specimen which resulted in all the spines being completely free of their matrix. Beware of substantially lower-priced fakes or genuine trilobites with fake spines. This rare specimen features all authentic spines with repair. A large and impressive example with authentic spines and a fantastic, straight pose exhibiting great anatomical detail. Very rarely have we had these for sale and this is one of those rare chances that we have such a fine specimen ready for sale. With all our specimens, we include a written, non-expiring guarantee of authenticity. Similar to all trilobites found in the world, the only way these fossils are located is to break the trilobite-bearing rock therefore, repair and some restoration to the damage is unavoidable. If you are new to collecting trilobites, we strongly recommend you read this article, valuable information to help protect you from the flood of fakes and partial fake examples that plague the market.
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'. EXTREMELY SPINY AND COLORFUL EXAMPLE WITH AUTHENTIC SPINES - NICE MULTI-LENS EYE DETAIL - REMARKABLE DISPLAY SPECIMEN! Trilobite is 5.2" long $3995 TRX065 Actual Item - One Only |
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