Ancient Seas, North America / Africa, Cambrian to Permian, ca. 521 to 251.9 million years ago. A collection of 4 fossilized trilobites in separate stone matrices, each carefully excavated and prepared to show off the interesting bodies that are partially and entirely curled up in enrolled positions. These four are on the smaller side and easy prey for larger animals - enrolling was the trilobites' method of protection against predators to protect their soft underbellies, much like present day pill bugs (roly poly). These trilobites likely sensed the hostile disturbance in their environment and were prepared to wait out the danger by enrolling- but this method was no match for whatever natural disaster or mass extinction that occurred! Size of largest w/ matrix: 1.5" L x 1.5" W x 1.75" H (3.8 cm x 3.8 cm x 4.4 cm); smallest: 1.5" L x 0.8" W x 1.3" H (3.8 cm x 2 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995

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#180804

Professionally prepared with matrixes cut away to reveal most of the fossilized remains. Enrolled black trilobite is probably remounted on the matrix with faint fissure where it touches the matrix. Tiny fissures and losses to surface material on other trilobites. Nice remains of bumpy texture to eyes and cephalons (heads). Unknown find sites.