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WALLISEROPS (TRIDENT COMURA) TRILOBITE COMPLETE WITH ALL SPINES FREE-STANDING Hamar Laghdad Formation - Erfoud, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago The Walliserops trifurcatus trilobite (aka Trident Comura) is one of the most fascinating and bizarre trilobites ever known from the Devonian limestone of the Atlas Range. It is theorized that the long, forked protrusion jutting out from the cephalon was used for stirring up the ocean floor as the creature scavenged for food. They were shallow-dwelling marine animals that crawled across the prehistoric ocean floors nearly 400 million years ago. If you have been searching for a choice example of this rare trilobite with all spines present AND GENUINE and free-standing, then this is a highly recommended specimen. This Walliserops exhibits a death pose on the original light gold colored limestone as it is bent over in a partially enrolled position. Usually, the spines on this trilobite are broken off in the preparation process as they are extremely delicate and small. Not so with this example. All three rows of spines running down the lobes of this trilobite and all other cephalonic spines have been exposed and are free-standing. Most cheap, inferior specimens have all these broken off. Eye lens detail is excellent as seen in the close-up images of the third, fourth and last photos. Even the tiny spines on the cheeks just below the eyes are present, 100% genuine and finely detailed plainly visible in the last photo! Just the tips of the fork have undergone light restoration, otherwise this is a complete and genuine specimen with no restoration. The central portion of the genuine rostral process is off the rock and completely free-standing. A very highly recommended and rare version of Walliserops. If you are a serious trilobite collector, this will be a very valuable and highly-prized addition. ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER SPECIES AND A MUST HAVE FOR ALL TRILOBITE FANCIERS AND PREPARED WITH FAR MORE DETAIL THAN MOST OTHER EXAMPLES!!!
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'. SUPER PREPARATION OF ALL AUTHENTIC SPINES COMPLETELY FREE-STANDING! 3.75" x 2.7" with original matrix, animal approximately 3" long $1895 TR2201 Actual Item - One Only |
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