Posted on May 25, 2009 by Afarensis, FCD
I’ve been planning on mentioning this for a couple of weeks, but never seem to get around to it. A recent article in Geology (Giant trilobites and trilobite clusters from the Ordovician of Portugal) discusses some interesting trilobite fossils.
The fossils are interesting for two reasons. First, because of their size:
Second, because of their social behavior:
Nonlinear autochthonous trilobite clusters. A: Slab with at least 17 complete specimens of Ogyginus forteyi, some showing hypostome in place (arrows) and others enrolled. B: Molt assemblage with >100 specimens of Ectillaenus giganteus. C: Cluster of more than 18 articulated exuviae of Placoparia cambriensis under the carapace of giant Ogyginus forteyi. D: Quarry wall surface with discrete patch of >1000 partially articulated exuviae of Ectillaenus giganteus; single complete specimen is circled (arrow). Scale bars = 10 cm.
Details can be found at the paper linked to above.
Filed under: Paleontology Tagged: | Trilobites