1.4" Elrathia Kingi Trilobite Fossil Utah Cambrian Age 521 Million Years Old COA
Location: Utah House Range - Antelope Springs, Millard County
Weight: 0.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 1.4 Inches Long, 1 Inch Wide, 0.2 Inches Thick
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Elrathia Kingi Trilobite
Trilobites are an entirely extinct class of marine arthropods that first appeared during the Early Cambrian period, approximately 521 million years ago. They thrived in Earth's oceans for an astonishing 270 million years, disappearing in the Permian mass extinction long before dinosaurs ever walked the Earth. Their hardy, calcite-reinforced exoskeletons made them ideal candidates for fossilization, providing scientists with a critical window into early complex life.
Anatomy & Unique Three-Lobed Structure
The trilobite body is a masterpiece of early evolution, segmented and divided into three key sections both lengthwise and widthwise:
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The Three Longitudinal Lobes: Their exoskeleton is divided into a central axial lobe and two side (pleural) lobes, giving the group its iconic name.
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The Three Tagmata (Body Sections):
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Cephalon (Head): Housing compound eyes (in most species), sophisticated mouthparts (the hypostome), and delicate sensory antennae—making them among the first animals with complex vision.
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Thorax (Midsection): Composed of numerous articulated segments (from 2 to over 60), allowing many species to curl into a defensive ball—a behavior called enrollment.
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Pygidium (Tail): Formed from fused segments, creating a unified tail plate.
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Why Trilobite Fossils Are So Important
Trilobites are index fossils—essential tools for dating and correlating Paleozoic rock layers globally. Their rapid evolution and wide distribution make them indispensable for geologists and paleontologists. Studying their eye lenses, growth stages (via molted exoskeletons), and varied morphologies reveals crucial data about ancient marine environments, predation, and the early diversification of life during the Cambrian Explosion.
Explore Their Incredible Diversity & Ecology
From tiny, blind burrowers to large, spiny bottom-dwellers and sighted swimmers, trilobites occupied a vast range of ecological niches. Our guide delves into their classification, feeding strategies, and the reasons behind their ultimate extinction. Whether you're a fossil collector, a geology student, or simply fascinated by deep time, understanding trilobites is key to understanding the history of life on our planet.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried under the ground for millions of years under immense pressure can be rough. Rarely does a fossil emerge intact and perfect. Most fossils require some restoration, and some are even modified by humans to improve their display. In the United States, workers do a highly professional job of excavating and preserving these natural treasures.