Primitive arthropod fossil
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Primitive arthropod fossil
Primitive arthropod fossil from the 500 million- year-old Burgess Shale rocks. This is Marrella splendens, the most abundant of the Burgess Shale fossils. It is now extinct. It lived on the seabed and had two long antennae. One of these antennae is at lower right and the head is at lower centre. The multiple legs line the body which extends from the head towards centre right. This animal was a few centimetres in length. The Burgess Shale rocks of Canadas Rocky Mountains preserved soft tissue details rarely found in the fossil record. This allowed them to record the Cambrian Explosion, the evolution of a diverse array of invertebrates from which todays animals evolved
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6370897
© ALAN SIRULNIKOFF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ancient Antenna Antennae Arthropod Burgess Shale Cambrian Explosion Canada Canadian Early Extinct Fossil Invertebrate Fossilised Fossilized Fossils Rock Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a primitive arthropod fossil from the 500 million-year-old Burgess Shale rocks. The star of this image is Marrella splendens, which was once the most abundant species in the Burgess Shale but is now extinct. This fascinating creature resided on the seabed and possessed two long antennae, one of which can be seen at the lower right corner while its head rests at the lower center. Multiple legs line its body, extending from the head towards the center-right side of the frame. Despite being only a few centimeters in length, Marrella splendens played a significant role in Earth's ancient marine ecosystems. What makes this fossil truly remarkable is that it hails from Canada's Rocky Mountains and originates from an era when soft tissue details were rarely preserved in fossils. The Burgess Shale rocks have defied these odds by capturing intricate features that provide invaluable insights into our planet's past. These exceptional preservation conditions have allowed scientists to study and document an event known as the Cambrian Explosion—an evolutionary milestone where a diverse range of invertebrates emerged, ultimately leading to today's animal kingdom. This awe-inspiring photograph not only highlights Marrella splendens' unique characteristics but also serves as a testament to Canada's rich paleontological heritage and its contribution to our understanding of early life forms on Earth.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.