2.8" Thamnopora SP Coral Fossil Coral Reef Devonian Age Verde Valley, Arizona

Location: Martin Formation, Verde Valley, Arizona, United States

Weight: 4.3 Ounces  

Dimensions: 2.8 Inches Long, 3.7 Inches Wide, 1.4 Inches Thick 

Devonian Age 380 Million Years Old

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Thamnopora SP Fossil Coral

Corals re-emerged during the Devonian period, around 410 million years ago, marking the first time they formed extensive reef systems. These early reefs were primarily composed of coral-like stromatoporoids (reef-building sponges), tabulate corals (which formed mounds, branches, and organ-like shapes), rugose corals (horn-shaped), and ancestors of modern coralline algae (encrusting, multi-colored algae on rocks).

Near the end of the Devonian, scleractinian, or “stony,” corals—the dominant coral type in today’s reefs—first appeared. However, around 350 million years ago, corals disappeared from the fossil record once again. The precise cause of this disappearance is unclear, but evidence points to rapid sea-level changes and a sudden drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide as likely contributing factors.