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DICRANURUS MONSTROSUS TRILOBITE WITH NUMEROUS FREE-STANDING SPINES Atlas Mountains - Erfoud, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago The Dicranurus monstrosus must have been one of the most terrifying trilobite to all its fellow invertebrates. It is well named looking like a "monster". Large and long spines protruding out from its creepy body, this bottom-dwelling creature of the prehistoric seas would have been a marvel to see alive creeping across the ocean floor. The Dicranurus monstrosus is one of the most sought-after species of rare spiny trilobites and authentic specimens amongst a sea of fakes in the marketplace, are becoming harder to locate. This is one of the MOST FAKED spiny trilobites and has been for years. (Read here for more info) This is a "top-shelf" quality GENUINE specimen and amongst the best we have ever offered. This specific example was meticulously prepared with micro-abrasives and oriented to be posed in a most unusual manner. It appears to be turning and has one side of its spines exposed, completely extracted from the host rock to be devoid of any supporting matrix. The horns on the head are also completely free of matrix. Where most genuine examples of this trilobite have been prepared with just the horns free of matrix and possibly only a couple of spines free, this spectacular example has had much more work invested in its preparation for the ultimate pose! The best ever display DICRANURUS! The demand for authentic spiny trilobite specimens is very strong and they are always in VERY limited supply. We guarantee the genuineness of this superb specimen. Worthy of
any museum exhibit as well as your private collection, this fossil of
superb, investment quality and features fine detail and all genuine
free-standing spines. This 100% genuine spiny Dicranurus
monstrosus trilobite represents the highest grade one can find in ANY
trilobite specimen and is a must have for those collectors that demand
only the best!
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'. HIGHLY UNUSUAL, FASCINATING POSE WITH HORNS AND ONE ENTIRE SIDE FREE OF MATRIX! 4.5" x 3.5" with original matrix, trilobite approximately 3" long SOLD TR7-001 Actual Item - One Only |
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