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PARADOXIDES NATURAL DOUBLE TRILOBITES SLAB - Anti-Atlas Mountain Range - Morocco, Northern Sahara CAMBRIAN PERIOD: 543 - 510 million years ago This MASSIVE and exceedingly rare natural double Paradoxides was excavated from the Cambrian beds at the northern fringe of the Sahara Desert. Not only is this specimen a rarity unto itself as a genuine double of the largest of the commonly encountered trilobites, but the entire slab has had the matrix blasted and prepared for better display contrast. The end result is one of the most spectacular Paradoxides trilobites we have ever offered. Each
of these trilobites exceeds the quality that are usually encountered in
the current market awash in fakes.
The darker trilobite is the larger specimen and possesses about 25%
restoration. The slightly smaller trilobite is oriented on a layer
higher up and partially overlaying the former. The upper trilobite
has only approximately 5% restoration and possesses a genuine right
genal spine (other is restored as is the two genal spines of the lower
trilobite). Unlike so many "multiple fossil" slabs on
the market, these trilobites were prepared out as they were found and
are not two unassociated finds that have been artificially put
together to make an interesting display. With its multi-layer
orientation of these two fine Paradoxides trilobites, this very large
slab dramatically demonstrates how many of these creatures were buried
on top of one another and led to concentrations of layered fossil
beds. Exceptional
display specimen!
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'. BEST CONTRAST AND PREPARATION OF MATRIX - RARE AND AESTHETIC WITH SUPERB DISPLAY APPEAL! 22" x 15.75" with original matrix, trilobites 13.5" and 12.15" in length SOLD TR1-003 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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2495 |
