1.5" Metacanthina Issoumourensis Trilobite Fossil Devonian Age 400 Mil Yrs Old COA
Location: Lghaft, Morocco
Weight: 3.8 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.3 Inches Long, 1.9 Inches Wide, 1.2 Inches Thick (Matrix)
The trilobite is: 1.5 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches Wide, 0.7 Inches Thick
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
This is a genuine fossil.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Metacanthina Issoumourensis
Trilobites were an extinct group of marine arthropods that belonged to the class Trilobita and played a crucial role in the early history of life on Earth. Their first appearance in the fossil record dates to roughly 521 million years ago, during the Early Cambrian period, marking the beginning of the Atdabanian stage. For an immense span of geological time, trilobites flourished in Earth’s ancient oceans and became one of the most characteristic and widespread life forms of the Paleozoic Era, disappearing long before dinosaurs ever evolved.
One of the most remarkable aspects of trilobites was their development of a hard, mineralized exoskeleton—the earliest known skeletal structure in the animal kingdom. This protective outer shell not only supported their bodies but also greatly increased their chances of fossilization, resulting in a rich and detailed fossil record. The trilobite body followed a distinctive three-lobed plan, consisting of a central axial lobe flanked by two pleural lobes, a feature reflected in the name trilobite, meaning “three-lobed.”
Anatomically, trilobites were organized into three main body regions. The cephalon, or head, housed complex eyes, feeding structures, and sensory organs such as antennae that helped them interact with their environment. Behind the head lay the thorax, a flexible middle region composed of two to sixty-one overlapping segments that allowed for movement and defensive behaviors. The posterior pygidium formed a fused tail section, adding protection and structural stability.
Trilobites occupied a broad range of marine environments and were integral to early ocean ecosystems. Today, their fossils provide invaluable insight into early arthropod evolution, Cambrian biodiversity, and the development of complex life in Earth’s prehistoric seas.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried under the ground for millions of years under tons of pressure tends to be rough. No fossil comes out of the ground whole and perfect. Most fossils have undergone some restoration, while others are altered by man simply to enhance their presentation in different ways. The workers in Morocco do a very professional job of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures; however, natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.
