TRACE FOSSILS - 190 million years old - Somerset
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Burrows of marine animals preserved in rock that was once mud on an ancient sea floor
190 million years old
Lower Lias. Watchet, Somerset
This specimen beautifully shows an elaborate network of burrows. It is a very good example of trace fossils. The base has been cut flat with a diamond saw so that it displays well without the need for a stand. Part of an imprint of an ammonite shell can be seen in the corner of the block.
It shows chondrites, which are the branching, tree-like burrows of a marine creature, and the U-shaped burrows of another animal, shown as spots in cross-section.
Trace fossils are evidence preserved in rocks of biological activity - for example animal footprints - that can provide information on the lifestyles of prehistoric creatures.
Click on a picture for a larger image
Burrows of marine animals preserved in rock that was once mud on an ancient sea floor
190 million years old
Lower Lias. Watchet, Somerset
This specimen beautifully shows an elaborate network of burrows. It is a very good example of trace fossils. The base has been cut flat with a diamond saw so that it displays well without the need for a stand. Part of an imprint of an ammonite shell can be seen in the corner of the block.
It shows chondrites, which are the branching, tree-like burrows of a marine creature, and the U-shaped burrows of another animal, shown as spots in cross-section.
Trace fossils are evidence preserved in rocks of biological activity - for example animal footprints - that can provide information on the lifestyles of prehistoric creatures.
Click on a picture for a larger image
Size: 14 x 13 x 4 centimetres
Weight: 1.32 kilograms