LONDON, England – Trilobites dating back 508 million years were recently discovered preserved in volcanic ash, unveiling unprecedented 3D details of these ancient creatures. The rapid fossilization process remarkably preserved tiny shells in their original positions, allowing researchers to observe soft tissues such as mouthparts and internal organs.
These trilobites were found encased in pyroclastic flow, hot material ejected from volcanoes at speeds of up to 200 meters per second. Despite the destructive nature of pyroclastic flows on land, the marine environment allowed for the preservation of these ancient sea creatures.
Dubbed as the “Pompeii” trilobites for their exceptional preservation in ash, these specimens were collected in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco. While they are not the oldest trilobites ever discovered, their preservation in 3D form sets them apart from other ancient fossils.
Although these trilobites are thought to be around 508 million years old, they are younger than the oldest known trilobites dating back 521 million years. Even though older trace fossils exist, the level of preservation seen in the “Pompeii” trilobites is remarkable.
The unique aspect of these specimens lies in the three-dimensional preservation of their appendages, allowing researchers to observe them in close-to-life orientations. The detailed preservation of appendages, mouth structures, and cephalic feeding appendages provides researchers with a clearer picture of what these ancient marine creatures may have looked like in real life.
The study detailing the discovery of these well-preserved trilobites has been published in the journal Science, shedding light on the ancient marine ecosystem and the remarkable preservation capabilities of volcanic ash. This newfound insight into the ancient past opens up new possibilities for understanding the evolution of life on Earth.