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PARADOXIDES TRILOBITE - Anti-Atlas Mountain Range, South Morocco CAMBRIAN PERIOD: 543 - 510 million years ago Excavated from Cambrian sedimentary rock beds this is the largest type that is found, the giant Paradoxides species trilobite. These kind of trilobite fossils often fracture when rock is split to locate them. This unavoidable damaging method often leaves missing pieces and highly fragmented specimens left to assemble and restore. The Paradoxides trilobite is one of the most popular fossils to fake and every fossil shop, online auction and fossil show will invariably present several for sale. Whether ignorant or just plain crooked, very few sellers will HONESTLY AND CORRECTLY disclose if the Paradoxides they offer is a complete fake or mostly restored. Any educated buyer will agree this is a stigma with this species despite it being one of the most impressive display fossils and the largest trilobite that ever existed in the Cambrian. If you appreciate fine examples of quality fossils to proudly display and cherish rather than just spend your money on a commercial type, then do not pass up this opportunity to add to your collection a quality Paradoxides specimen. This
fine Paradoxides trilobite fossil can boast of having only
approximately 15% - 20%
restoration,
limited mainly to the genal spines (but left genal spine tip is GENUINE),
cheeks, pygidium and fringes of the pleural spines. As
previously mentioned, the
vast majority of Paradoxides specimens on the market are either heavily
restored or completely fabricated. This specimen is an example
that is much better than typically seen.
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'. IMPRESSIVE SPECIMEN IN BETTER THAN TYPICAL PRESERVATION - SUPERB DISPLAY! 14.5" long x 13" wide with matrix, creature is 12.75" long x 10.25" wide SOLD TR1-013 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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