| Anomalocaris
cf nathorsti
Geologic
Time: Upper Middle Cambrian
Size (25.4mm=1
inch): 18 mm by 12 mm across on a 100 mm by 100 mm matrix
Fossil Site:
Wheeler Formation, House Range, Millard County, Utah
|  Description:
This is the oral disc of the “Terror Of The Cambrian”,
Anomalocaris saron, seen here in the first example I have had. The
members of this group of enigmatic creatures are known from Asia,
Australia,  Europe,
and North America, and are thought by many to be closely allied
with the Arthropda, a position not held by all researchers. Several
have been described from Utah, notably a 50 mm partial specimen
of A nathorsti from the Marjum Formation, but they are far more
rare than those from Chengjiang or the Burgess Shale. Many examples
of Elrathia have been found with bite marks, most typically on the
right side, which are thought to have been the result of an abortive
attack by this Cambrian raider. This is the first example I have
had, and I do not expect it will remain posted for long.
|
|
