A GUIDE TO THESE BELOVED FOSSILS

TRILOBITES

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They lived for almost 300 million years, from the Cambrian to Permian extinction which killed 90% of all life

Trilobites were one of Earth's most successful animals

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These arthropods come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but are all divided into 3 lobes.  There are 10 orders and well over 20,000 different species!

immense variety

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Isotelus rex is over 2 feet in size!

Acanthopleurella stipulae is the size of a pepper flake

SIZE VARIETY

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World's Largest
Trilobite

Some were filter feeders, others were scavengers, and some were active predators. 

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They filled all kinds of ecosystems

Trilobites have a thick exoskeleton for protection.  Many types had large spines for added protection.  Others could enroll, like a pull-bug, when threatened.

thick exoskeleton

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Trilobites were the first animals to evolve Compound Eyes, similar to honey bees!

COMPOUND EYES

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Usually only the exoskeletons are preserved.  But sometimes, their legs, antenna, gills, and even eggs are preserved.

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APPENDAGES

Some trilobites were thought to seasonally migrate out of rough waters.  Migration trains reduce drag and added a layer of safety

the great Migration

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The almost limitless shapes make trilobites a very popular fossil

A Fossil hunters favorite

TRILOBITE COLLECTING LOCATIONS

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TRILOBITE FACTS AND FOSSIL SITES
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TRILOBITE BOOK

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THE TRILOBITE BOOK - A VISUAL JOURNEY
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