Koneprusia sp
Trilobites Order Odontopleurida, Family Odontopleuridae
Geological Time: Lower Devonian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 35 mm long by 30 mm wide (including spines) on a 75 mm by 70 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Aatchana , Morocco
Code: 12070
Price: Sold
 Description:
Elegant example of an unusual trilobite which as an Odontopleurid
has many fine relatives in Dicranurus, Leonaspis, and Ceratonurus.
This one has a plethora of spines, most of which have been painstakingly
prepared freestanding, making for a spectacular display piece.
To what purpose could such a spiny armament be put? The answer
DEFENSE cries out; with fish only recently (geologically speaking)
having developed true jaws, any advantage a prey species could
evolve would stand it in good stead in the eternal predator/prey
arms race. This one is different from the other three species (K.
Brutoni, K. aboussalamae, K. dahmani ) in that it upped the spine
count by having paired spines on the axial ring. Only a literal
handful of this as-yet undescribed species have been found. Here
is a fine example sure to become a prized member of any collection. |
