Calymene Trilobite Fossil 400-440 Million Years Old. Lower Quality Specimen

£20.00

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Fossil Calymene Trilobite.

Please note: Lower quality specimen: hence low price!
This fossil is a little darker than the images show.

Presented in Small Black Gift Box

Trilobites were swimming in seas millions of years before the dinosaurs walked the Earth.

400-440 Million Years Old. From Morocco.
Approx. size ~ 7.5cm x 4.5cm x 2cm

Comes in Black presentation box 11 x 11 x 7 cm

Availability: 1 in stock

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Exploring the Calymene Trilobite: A 400-440 Million-Year-Old Fossil Specimen

The History and Significance of Calymene Trilobites
The Calymene trilobite, which flourished during the Late Ordovician to Silurian periods, provides vital insights into the evolutionary history of trilobites as a whole. These marine arthropods are known to have first appeared over 500 million years ago, and their variety in form and adaptation reflects an extensive journey through the Earth’s geological history. The Calymene genus is specifically recognized for its distinctive morphology, which includes a well-defined, lobed dorsal shell and prominent compound eyes. Their unique body plan enabled them to thrive in diverse marine environments, often inhabiting shallow waters rich in sediment.

Trilobites, including the Calymene, play a crucial role in understanding prehistoric ecosystems and the evolutionary processes that shaped life in our oceans. Their existence spans several geological periods, and they became extinct in the mass extinction event at the end of the Permian. This significant loss transforms trilobites into a critical component of the fossil record; they serve as index fossils, helping scientists date rock layers and interpret environmental conditions from ancient times. Consequently, the presence of Calymene trilobites in sedimentary records is indispensable for reconstructing the paleoenvironment of the Ordovician and Silurian seas.

Despite being considered of lower quality, the fossilized remains of this Calymene trilobite still holds considerable value for paleontological research. They provide essential information on the morphology, behavior, and ecological dynamics of ancient marine life. Fossils such as those from the Calymene genus enrich our understanding of biodiversity during a period characterized by significant climatic changes and evolutionary milestones. The study of these fossils continues to offer a window into the past, inquisitively revealing how life on Earth has transformed over hundreds of millions of years.

Analyzing the Low-Quality Calymene Trilobite Fossil

The Calymene trilobite, a prominent marine arthropod from the Middle Ordovician period, presents a fascinating case study, particularly when considering low-quality fossil specimens. These fossils are often characterized by prominent physical imperfections, which can include significant wear, fractures, and missing parts. Such imperfections impact both the scientific analysis and market valuation of these specimens. While ideally, paleontologists prefer well-preserved fossils, low-quality specimens still hold paramount value for paleoecological studies.

Wear patterns observed on lower-quality Calymene fossils can provide essential insights into the environmental conditions under which these organisms thrived. For example, scratches or pits can suggest the organism’s interaction with other marine life or the substrate on which it lived. Damage from geological processes, such as weathering or erosion, while seen as detriments to fossil quality, can inadvertently illuminate the fossilization process and related environmental changes over geological time scales.

For amateur collectors and enthusiasts, engaging with lower-quality Calymene trilobite fossils can be an enriching experience. Although these specimens may not command high market prices, they provide opportunities for learning and appreciation. Understanding their role in the broader context of paleontological research helps to foster a passion for collecting and studying fossils, contributing to the greater appreciation of Earth’s ancient ecosystems.

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Moroccan Trilobite FossilCalymene Trilobite Fossil 400-440 Million Years Old. Lower Quality Specimen
£20.00

Availability: 1 in stock

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