Trilobite Mass Mortality Plate
Early Ordovician Period (approx. 480 million years ago), Fezouata Formation, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
Auction Closed
July 16, 06:46 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Trilobite Mass Mortality Plate
Asaphellus tataensis
Early Ordovician Period (approx. 480 million years ago)
Fezouata Formation, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
28 x 24½ x 1½ inches (71.1 x 62.2 x 3.8 cm). 67 pounds (30.4 kg).
An assemblage of fossil trilobites belonging to a single species, Asaphellus tataensis, preserving both complete and incomplete shells (cephalon, thorax, and pygidium) nicely prepared in high relief on a matrix slab. Mostly articulated examples with eyes and spines (genal) are intact, many are preserved overlapping and some maintain their mouth plates (hypostome). Unidentified debris is discernible.
Trilobites are one of the oldest invertebrates, first appearing about 520 million years ago during the Cambrian explosion, and disappearing during the mass extinction at the end of the Permian Period approximately 250 million years ago. Having survived for about 270 million years, trilobites are also one of the most successful species ever to live on Earth, aided in their survival by their characteristic armor-plated exoskeletons. In addition, some species of trilobites were the first animals to develop eyes for sight. As approximately 20,000 species have been discovered and excavated from all over the globe, trilobites have played an invaluable part in studies of geological stratigraphy and the understanding of ancient environments.