1.8" Harpes Perradiatus Trilobite Fossil Devonian Age Boudib Morocco COA
Location: Boudib, Morocco
Weight 9.9 Ounces
Dimensions are: 3.2 Inches Long, 3 Inches Wide, 1.5 Inches Thick (Matrix)
Trilobite Dimensions: 1.8 Inches Long, 1.1 Inches Wide, 0.5 Inches Thick (Head to Tail)
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Harpes Perradiatus Trilobite
Origins
Trilobites belong to the extinct class Trilobita, a group of early marine arthropods. They first appeared approximately 521 million years ago, marking the start of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period. Their sudden appearance represents a major step in the evolution of complex life.
Rise and Success
For hundreds of millions of years, trilobites flourished in Earth’s ancient oceans. They became one of the most widespread and diverse animal groups of the Paleozoic Era, occupying a wide range of marine environments and adapting into numerous forms.
Physical Design
Trilobites were protected by a hard exoskeleton, the earliest known skeletal structure in animals. This feature provided durability and contributed to their exceptional fossil preservation.
Their bodies followed a distinctive three-lobed layout:
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Axial lobe: Central ridge running lengthwise
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Pleural lobes: Two symmetrical side lobes
This three-part structure is the origin of the name trilobite, meaning “three-lobed.”
Body Architecture
The trilobite body was divided into three functional regions:
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Cephalon (head): Included compound eyes, mouthparts, and sensory organs such as antennae
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Thorax: A flexible middle section with 2 to 61 overlapping segments, allowing movement and defensive curling
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Pygidium (tail): A fused rear section forming a protective shield
Extinction
Trilobites eventually disappeared millions of years before dinosaurs appeared, marking the end of one of the most successful animal groups in early Earth history.
Scientific Importance
Trilobite fossils are crucial for studying:
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Early arthropod evolution
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Cambrian biodiversity
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Paleozoic marine ecosystems
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The origins of complex animal life
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, 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.