**First Time At Auction**
Ancient Seas, Morocco, mid Devonian period, ca. 393.3 to 382.7 Million years ago. A wonderful display of fossilized trilobites within a stone matrix. These two "sea bugs" have been preserved in dynamic curving profiles as they scuttle across the sea floor. Trilobites are a fossil group of extinct marine arthropods that form one of the earliest known groups of arthropods. These two are likely from the Walliserops tridens genus, identifiable by the "trident" like spine at the tip of their head. The rest of their body is spinose, with protrusions above their eye lobes. Some paleontologists posit that that the trident functioned as a horn for fighting other males during mating or as a defense against predators. These two fossils are fascinating reminders of the prehistoric animals that once flourished for over 270 million years! Size of larger fossil: 1.25" L x 1" W (3.2 cm x 2.5 cm); matrix: 4" L x 2.5" W x 1.5" H (10.2 cm x 6.4 cm x 3.8 cm); case: 6.125" L x 4.125" W x 3.5" H (15.6 cm x 10.5 cm x 8.9 cm)
The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period (521 million years ago), and they flourished throughout the lower Paleozoic era before beginning a drawn-out decline to extinction when, during the Devonian, all trilobite orders except the Proetids died out. Trilobites disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 252 million years ago. Trilobites were among the most successful of all early animals, roaming the oceans for over 270 million years.
Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010
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#164285
Condition
Repaired, with restoration to matrix and trilobites. Matrix restored from approximately 7 pieces, well done, and break lines are nearly indiscernible. Protruding spikes not in matrix are restored and repaired and well done. Displayed in a modern acrylic case.