How many trilobite fossils do you own? Whether the answer is zero or thousands, or somewhere in between, welcome to Trilobite.Me. Get interesting facts about trilobites here, and get some tips on finding one or more fossils to add to your own hoard with our helpful, one-of-a-kind trilobites for sale tool.
Trilobites are arthropods that originally developed more than 520 million years ago, and these marine creatures existed for at least 270 million years. You might not realize just how abundant tiny little trilobites were in certain regions, but ancient seas were full to bursting with these little (and some not so little) guys.
According to some estimates, billions of fossils still lie undiscovered in far-flung layers of the Earth, and they are located on each continent. (Though when they were alive, the modern continents didn't exist yet.) If you're interested in searching for trilobites yourself, you'll enjoy various adventures as you research the geological history of different regions. You can even find many knowledgeable friends who share your interests.
And if you aren't planning on going trilobite hunting any time soon, the Internet has you covered: thousands of amazing trilobites are for sale at any given time, of all types, quality, and price ranges. It's super easy to begin (or add to) your trilobite collection online.
Morroconites Trilobite
Seller: fossildog59
Calymene niagarensis, Silurian trilobite fossil from New York
Seller: daniegosseli_0
Trilobites thrived in shallow waters and ancient seas. Throughout the last 230 years, innumerable researchers have evaluated fossils, classified many species, and discussed their research. Despite all the sleepless nights, scientists still do not fully understand the events that caused trilobites to become extinct.
Currently, thousands of enthusiastic hobbyists frequently search for the fossilized creatures that became embedded in mud or rocks, and many amateur archaeologists join well-known clubs, compare various fossils, study unique attributes, sell the fossils and evaluate modern creatures that have similar features (see below).
Most trilobites roamed the bottoms of various ancient seas. Usually, these plucky arthropods ate many types of detritus. According to experienced researchers, the creatures may have dined on sundry organic materials, silt, gravel and sediment. Unlike most modern creatures, trilobites could actually digest dense silt that would nauseate modern humans. From our persepctive a snack of ancient silt would have been very gross indeed, but the ancient trilobites believed that the silt was delicious. The abundant sediment allowed the tiny creatures to thrive.
As a bonus, the trilobites could quickly burrow underneath the silt if they saw hungry predators searching for easy snacks. When's the last time you hid behind a slice of pizza?
Generally, trilobites had hard shells that safeguarded them from the numerous marine creatures who slowly patrolled the warm waters. But these distinctive shells could not withstand the sharp teeth of many larger creatures. Fortunately for us, countless examples of these exoskeletal shells have survived the fossilization process intact, and if you have the right one you'll see amazing, intricate details.
Trilobites had durable legs that featured resilient joints, and they had antennae that helped the creatures to navigate ancient seas and the underwater formations that contained food. When you examine a fossilized trilobite, you could effectively study three distinctive sections:
The sizes of trilobites could vary widely; the largest reached a length of more than 55 centimeters (almost 22 inches). In contrast, the smallest trilobites had a length of around 1 millimeter. Some experienced researchers initially believed that the larger trilobites were more prolific; however, recent reports have suggested that smaller trilobites may have dominated ancient oceans. The tinier organisms could easily hide from other ancient creatures, and this evolutionary advantage allowed the number of trilobites to increase rapidly.
Curled up Looking over cliff Devonian Age TRILOBITE Fossil From Morocco (#F780)
Seller: amunre
All curled up Devonian Age TRILOBITE Fossil From Morocco (#U493)
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Some trilobites weighed less than 2 ounces, and certain small trilobites could effectively float on the water. In contrast, the largest trilobites may have weighed more than 5 pounds, but these sizable trilobites were relatively rare. (By the way, trilobites are related to modern spiders and various types of scorpions. Can you envision a 20-inch spider?) According to one hypothesis, some larger trilobites were able to effectively dissuade smaller creatures from exploring certain sections of the seas.
Those larger trilobites had significantly denser shells, yet the creatures could still curl their extremities in order to improve the effectiveness of the shells. Sometimes, this technique helped the trilobites to hide. Many other creatures around at the time of trilobites didn't have useful eyes, so when they scanned the seabed a hidden trilobite might have resembled a small rock or an empty shell.
Scientists have grouped trilobites into ten different taxonomic orders. Each order is further divided into suborders, superfamilies, families, genera, and species. (Our trilobites for sale tool lets you drill all the way down to the genus level to find certain types of fossils for your collection.)
Morroconites Trilobite
Seller: fossildog59
Excellent Enrolled Devonian Eldredgeops Fossil Trilobite Silica Shale Ohio
Seller: fossildog59
Excellent Paralejurus Trilobite fossil Devonian of Morocco
Seller: fossildog59
Many modern insects have multifaceted eyes that contain numerous lenses. Well, some ancient crustaceans had the same types of eyes. Such ocular features could improve reaction time, enhance short-range vision and optimize night vision. Most archaeologists and fossil enthusiasts are excited to learn that trilobites feature distinctive eyes that have more than 15,000 lenses – especially when they are well-fossilized and are a beauty to behold in their own right.
Unique eyes allowed trilobites to effectively scan the underwater environments. The trilobites could also detect numerous types of predators, examine various sources of food, evaluate the underlying sediment and find areas in which they might conceal themselves. The complex eyes were made from calcium carbonate, and this durable compound is resistant to various environmental toxins. The resilient lenses could also withstand murky waters, excessive silt and even minor impacts. During storms that stirred the ancient seas, trilobites could effectively navigate in their unique environments. In contrast, fast-moving waters transported many other, less fortunate ancient creatures into unfamiliar and possibly dangerous environments.
When scientists research the general development of modern eyes, many experts study the eyes of trilobites. By examining various features, specialists can evaluate each eye's retina, cones, rods, fovea and the resiliency of the soft tissue. While studying the eyes of ancient trilobites, experts can also test new techniques that could safeguard the cornea, which is the outer layer of a human eye.
For example: in Colorado, a researcher located a fossilized trilobite that had intact eyes, and according to experts, the creature lived at least 500 million years ago. While inspecting this incredible arthropod, scientists examined the contours of the lenses, the density of each lens and several features that could enhance long-range vision. Not bad for a little guy dug up out of the ground one breezy afternoon!
If you want to learn about still-unknown creatures, you should begin your search for trilobite fossils. Scientists have discovered that more than 20,000 species of trilobites existed, but there are many more still unidentified.
Numerous scientists have suggested that similar creatures could have flourished for a short period of time. Understandably, it's awfully difficult to determine an accurate number of species that existed. Although we have examined certain common species, some types of trilobites might have thrived for less than 300,000 years, very short on the evolutionary time scale. Consequently, such fossils are especially rare.
During the Cambrian Period, the Earth's average temperature was gradually increasing, and various glaciers were quickly receding in numerous regions. These shrinking glaciers significantly augmented the sea levels, yet the melting glaciers also contributed to the formation of many shallow seas that are ideal for trilobites.
Throughout this epoch, the level of oxygen in the atmosphere increased tremendously. Currently, oxygen comprises more than 21 percent of the atmosphere, and at least 77 percent of the atmosphere contains nitrogen. By studying ancient rocks, scientists have determined that the level of oxygen may have exceeded 24 percent during the Cambrian Period. This extra oxygen stimulated the growth of many creatures, enhanced the mobility of some ancient creatures, improved the efficiency of respiratory systems and enhanced the durability of some trilobites.
Rare Trilobite Fossil Museum Piece
Seller: 2gogirl2go
trilobite fossil 4 feet Acadoparadoxides Cambrian designer wall mount rare
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When the levels of oxygen increased, the extra oxygen generally augmented the sizes of many animals. Ancient trilobites might have seen massive sharks and large echinoderms, and the additional oxygen could have gradually increased the sizes of ancient fish.
At the beginning of the Cambrian Period, the Earth's atmosphere may have become more dense. Consequently, trees and shrubs were able to release extra oxygen into the atmosphere, yet the denser atmosphere also shielded many organisms from ultraviolet radiation. Trilobites may have swiftly expanded because the water also reduced radiation that could have affected some terrestrial creatures.
Although humans need high levels of oxygen, the element can gradually affect certain cells that do not have healthy membranes. Currently, millions of Americans frequently consume extra antioxidants, which can eliminate free radicals that could be caused by oxidation. Trilobites had various attributes that helped them to minimize the effects of excessive oxygen. The creatures featured durable exoskeletons, cells that had robust membranes and resilient eyes.
Wondering where trilobites lived, and where their fossils can be found? If you enjoy traveling, you might be able to visit archaeological digs that could reveal fossilized trilobites. Many dedicated hobbyists search for trilobites in North America, Europe, Africa and Australia, and archaeologists have found a large number of fossilized trilobites in eastern Asia. Many enthusiasts also search for trilobites near the eastern coastline of North America. Moreover, thousands of fossilized trilobites have been found in the western regions of Canada.
In order to improve the effectiveness of searches, amateurs should examine areas that contained seas or oceans during the Ordovician Period. Throughout this epoch, the number of trilobites increased tremendously because of the environmental conditions discussed above. Additionally, the average size of trilobites might have increased, and consequently would be easier to locate.
Like many modern insects, trilobites had exoskeletons, which are outer skeletons that can withstand significant impacts and varying temperatures. The exoskeletons effectively preserved the trilobites; however, many of the fossilized creatures do not contain soft tissue, which may help researchers understand the development of arthropods.
When you look at a rock, you might not know the age of the rock or the origin of the material, yet if you find a trilobite within it, you can estimate the age of the rock. Once hobbyists find fossilized trilobites, scientists can effectively study an area's geological history, understand other ancient creatures and estimate the levels of certain atmospheric compounds. Likewise, the fossilized creatures could allow researchers to examine widespread events that may have influenced the expansion of the trilobites.
In Tennessee, a woman located a rare trilobite while she was fishing. When scientists inspected the fossil, researchers determined that the trilobite lived more than 475 million years ago. Numerous reports described this exciting discovery, and while surveying the area, researchers found additional trilobites that had distinctive features. Consequently, the scientists were able to study the area's geology, the behaviors of the ancient creatures and the composition of the nearby rocks.
Trilobite fossil collecting is a well-established and growing hobby nowadays, but where did it begin? In 1771, various scientists began to classify trilobites. Over the next 30 years, many researchers evaluated trilobites that were discovered in North America. At the beginning of the 19th century, some scientists believed that trilobites were only found in isolated locations, but in the 1820s, dedicated researchers found similar fossils in many regions with unique climates, numerous types of terrain, and their own distinctive geological features.
It soon became clear that trilobite fossils stretched worldwide, and that it would be decades, if not centuries, before a picture approaching completeness would be sketched regarding the history of trilobite fossils.
During the 19th century, the members of some tribes wore jewelry that featured fossilized trilobites. In several regions, numerous individuals regularly sold trilobites to collectors and biologists. Currently, there are many artists who create beautiful images depicting trilobites, fossilized and otherwise. Likewise, the creatures have been featured in multiple documentaries that describe ancient seas and the evolution of numerous animals.
Excellent Paralejurus Trilobite fossil Devonian of Morocco
Seller: fossildog59
Natural Cornuproetus Trilobite Fossil Ofaten, Morocco
Seller: fossildog59
ONE 2 1/4 Inch to 4 1/5 Inch Trilobite Fossil Morocco
Seller: gemshow7
When some trilobites became fossilized, the exoskeletons slowly dissolved away ands were lost forever. But sometimes numerous sections of the exoskeletons remained intact. Many fossils discovered these days have complete exoskeletons; however, such fossils may be relatively rare. Additionally, most fossils do not contain the soft tissue, yet some amateur researchers have found fossils that have legs, antennae, eyes, and stomachs.
If you locate a trilobite that has well-preserved soft tissue, this exciting find could significantly augment the current worth of the fossil. Many museums specifically search for fossils with soft tissue. Once a hobbyist finds the fossil, he or she can contact numerous organizations that could examine the fossil, estimate the age of the creature, classify the fossil and describe the surrounding sediment.
If you are wondering about the extinction of trilobites, you're not alone. There are communities of archaeologists who explore this very topic.
Due to the swift expansion of trilobites, some archaeologists believe that small numbers of trilobites could still exist in regions that feature warm climates. Certain biologists have suggested that such tiny arthropods might thrive in underwater caverns, and these creatures may simply be undiscovered because of the inaccessibility of their habitats.
Of course, according to most experts, trilobites are wholly extinct on Earth. But despite the lack of evidence, certain researchers believe that some types of trilobites could have survived because, after all, multiple species of sharks withstood the atmospheric changes that occurred 251 million years ago. Numerous studies have indicated that ancient sharks originated 455 million years ago, and modern sharks are extraordinarily similar to the ancient sharks. If sharks, why not trilobites?
Interestingly, stromatolites have survived for more than 3.8 billion years, and the formations have withstood many adverse conditions. Although stromatolites contain cyanobacteria, experts often consider the survival of stromatolites when discussing the extinction of trilobites.
The number of trilobites began to decrease around 380 million years ago, yet many species of trilobites thrived until an extinction event occurred 251 million years ago. In recent years, detailed research has suggested that numerous massive volcanoes erupted in a substantially large area. It is believed that the volcanic activity originated in modern-day Siberia and caused worldwide acid rain that negatively affected various oceans and many marine creatures.
The volcanoes ejected numerous greenhouse gases into the ancient atmosphere. Initially, the airborne ash might have cooled the ancient climate by reducing the level of ultraviolet radiation, and the cooler temperatures could have caused the extinction of certain species. Once the ash settled, the greenhouse gases increased the average temperatures in many regions. According to one estimate, the average temperature may have risen by more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Many creatures were unable to adapt to the swift changes, and the high temperatures substantially reduced the levels of oxygen in the ancient seas. Consequently, these calamitous events caused the extinction of more than 96 percent of marine animals that lived in ancient oceans. (That's why the event is called the Great Dying. Sometimes scientific nicknameology gets it right.)
Interestingly, the number of dinosaurs began to increase during the same time period, and the oldest dinosaurs could have originated more than 250 million years ago. Simultaneously, various types of mammals may have evolved in relatively warm regions.
Countless people of all types buy fossilized trilobites, and some hobbyists and connected dealers sell trilobites to museums and collectors. Throughout the last 200 years, the number of trilobite buyers has increased tremendously. According to various reports, overall demand is still rising.
Some biologists buy fossilized trilobites in order to examine the development of ancient creatures, and by studying trilobites, the biologists may effectively understand the attributes of many crustaceans, the exoskeletons of modern insects and the features of several marine animals. The trilobites could also help biologists to evaluate the thorax of a modern creature, and while examining trilobites, researchers can understand the formation of legs that feature resilient joints.
During the last 200 years, a large number of oceanographers have bought fossilized trilobites. The ancient fossils can help these experts to understand the conditions of ancient oceans, and by studying trilobites, oceanographers can examine numerous types of sediment, local food chains, various attributes that offered evolutionary advantages, the sizes of ancient seas and the salinity of ancient oceans.
Since the 19th century, scientists have effectively classified many species of trilobites. Consequently, certain researchers buy trilobites in order to estimate the ages of ancient rocks. While using this technique, experts can examine the geological development of various regions.
Then again, there's also the mere fun of looking at a trilobite fossil. Even amateur fossil buyers can behold a certain specimen and dream about life in the oceans long ago. Wondering what your creatures' lives were like is part of the fun of selecting, ordering, receiving, and then proudly displaying trilobite fossils.
When you buy trilobites, you can also evaluate the history of the fossils' area, and you may pick up some interesting facts. You may also be interested in learning about other fossils that have been found in the region. You'll strt to understand the area's ancient ecosystem. Many fossils may not be complete, and consequently, some collectors become very excited when they locate full fossils, but even incomplete specimens can be instructive.
There is no wrong way to structure a trilobite collection. Pick a method that appeals to you and just dive in. Here are some ideas to get you started:
There are plenty of trilobites out there, either in museums, yet buried in the ground, or found in online sales listings. Enjoy the hunt and the new knowledge that amazing trilobite fossils can give you!
Morroconites Trilobite
Seller: fossildog59
Calymene niagarensis, Silurian trilobite fossil from New York
Seller: daniegosseli_0
Prone Waldron Maurotarion christyi Trilobite from Indiana. Fossil Crinoid
Seller: bobschachtfossils
Excellent Enrolled Devonian Eldredgeops Fossil Trilobite Silica Shale Ohio
Seller: fossildog59
