Volcano-formed fossils reveal trilobites in never-before-seen detail
Scientists unearthed well-preserved trilobite fossils in Morocco, revealing new insights into their anatomy and behavior. The discovery challenges previous beliefs and offers a unique view of ancient marine ecosystems.
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Scientists have discovered exceptionally well-preserved trilobite fossils in Morocco's High Atlas mountain range, dating back approximately 510 million years. These fossils, formed during a volcanic eruption, provide unprecedented insights into the anatomy and behavior of trilobites. Through CT scanning and computer modeling, researchers revealed intricate details such as hair-like structures on appendages, feeding mechanisms, and the presence of a fleshy mouth-covering lobe. The fossils also challenged previous beliefs by showing that trilobites had four specialized feeding appendages instead of three. This discovery, akin to a prehistoric Pompeii, offers a unique glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems and evolutionary adaptations. Lead scientist Prof. Abderrazak El Albani from the University of Poitiers anticipates that these findings will significantly contribute to our understanding of Earth's evolutionary history. The research, involving an international team, was recently published in the journal Science, shedding new light on the evolution of life on our planet.
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