JOURNAL ARTICLE

Pristine trilobite fossils arose from ash: A volcanic eruption buried the animals, preserving soft tissues.

  • Published In: Science News, 2024, v. 206, n. 2. P. 8 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: VAN WYK JOEL, LUCAS 3 of 3

Abstract

Paleontologists have discovered well-preserved trilobite fossils in rocks from Morocco, providing new insights into the evolution and biology of these extinct ocean-dwelling arthropods. The fossils are so detailed that soft tissue parts, including the mouth and digestive tract, are visible, which is rare in fossilization. The preservation process involved a volcanic eruption, where superheated ash flowed into coastal waters, dissolving and then remineralizing to cover and preserve the trilobites. This discovery challenges the notion that fossils are only found in sedimentary rocks and may encourage further exploration for similar well-preserved fossils. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Science News. 2024/08, Vol. 206, Issue 2, p8
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0036-8423
  • Accession Number:178602017
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