Drotops armatus forma armata
Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Phacopidae
Geological Time : Middle Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 130 mm long (curve measure) , 65 mm across (with spines). Matrix: 105 mm by 75 mm
Fossil Site: Jebel Issoumour, Alnif, Morocco
Code: 12131
Price: Sold
 Description:
This plate displays a rarely seen example of a trilobite related
to the more common “Phacops” Drotops megalomanicus
(see my other offerings) found in the Devonian deposits of Mount
Issoumour near Alnif, Morocco. This one is different in large measure
due to the fact that there is a profusion of spines projecting
from all surfaces, even the eyes! There are four varieties known,
distinguished by the type and placement of the spines. This one
is forma armata with spines of up to 10 mm in length. Armatus means
armed; to what purpose could all these spines be put? Fish had
just recently evolved true jaws, and the armament here was a response
to predation pressures. This one would have been a mouthful for
any would be predator attacking from any quarter. There are MORE
THAN NINETY spines preserved here, making this a wonderful example
of an evolutionary salvo in the predator/prey arms race. Note that
the hypostome, or anchor for the mouthparts, has also been prepared
out of the matrix as seen in the bottom right photo. |
