3.2" Flexicalymene Trilobite Fossil Ordovician Age Tazzarine Region Morocco COA
Location: Tazzarine Region, Morocco
Weight: 4.7 Ounces
Dimensions: 3.2 Inches Long, 1.8 Inches Wide, 0.9 Inches Thick
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Flexicalymene Trilobite
Trilobites are an extinct class of marine arthropods, known scientifically as Trilobita, and are among the earliest complex animals in Earth’s history. Their first appearance in the fossil record, during the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian, approximately 521 million years ago, marks a major milestone in the evolution of multicellular life. With hard, mineralized exoskeletons and segmented bodies, trilobites thrived in the ancient seas long before the age of dinosaurs, leaving behind some of the most recognizable fossils of the Paleozoic Era.
The name “trilobite” refers to the distinctive three-lobed structure of their body: a central axial lobe flanked on either side by two pleural lobes. This symmetry, combined with their durable exoskeleton, made trilobites highly fossilizable and allowed them to persist in the paleontological record as detailed, well-preserved specimens.
Trilobites’ bodies are divided into three main regions:
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Cephalon (head): The front section includes compound eyes, sensory organs, antennae, and mouthparts.
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Thorax (midsection): Comprising multiple articulated segments—ranging from 2 to over 60—this flexible area allowed movement and sometimes enabled enrollment as a defensive mechanism.
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Pygidium (tail): The fused rear segments formed the tail section, varying in size and shape between species.
These ancient arthropods provide invaluable insight into early marine ecosystems and the evolution of exoskeletal organisms. Their diversity, intricate anatomy, and wide distribution make trilobites one of the most iconic and scientifically significant fossils ever discovered.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried underground for millions of years under immense pressure can be quite harsh. Few fossils emerge completely intact; most require some restoration, and some are modified by humans to improve their appearance. Moroccan workers are highly skilled in excavating and conserving these natural treasures, though natural cracks often appear on the surface. These cracks are part of the fossil's natural charm and are not regarded as flaws.
