Fossil Marrellomorphs For Sale

Marrellomorphs are an extinct group of marine arthropods that lived from the Early Cambrian through the Early Devonian periods, roughly 520 to 370 million years ago. They belong to a unique branch of arthropods characterized by their intricate, fan-like head shields and lack of typical arthropod features like hard exoskeletons and body segmentation. These fascinating creatures are named after Marrella, one of the best-known genera within this group, which was discovered in the famous Burgess Shale fossil beds in British Columbia, Canada.

Key Features

Exceptional Soft Bodied Marrellomorph (Furca mauretanica)

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Soft Bodied Marrellomorph (Pos/Neg) - Great Body Detail

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Soft-Bodied Marrellomorph (Furca) From Morocco (Pos/Neg) #63023

1.7" Soft-Bodied Marrellomorph (Furca) From Morocco (Pos/Neg)

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Soft-Bodied Marrellomorph With Pos/Neg - #89514

1.5" Soft-Bodied Marrellomorph With Pos/Neg -

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Soft-Bodied Marrellomorph (Furca) - Fezouata Formation #130438

1.7" Soft-Bodied Marrellomorph (Furca) - Fezouata Formation

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Key Features Of Marrellomorphs

Marrellomorphs are not closely related to shrimp, despite some superficial similarities. While both marrellomorphs and shrimp belong to the larger group of arthropods, which includes all animals with jointed limbs and exoskeletons, marrellomorphs are a unique and distinct group that branched off early in arthropod evolution. Shrimp, on the other hand, belong to a more derived lineage of arthropods within the subphylum Crustacea, which includes crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans.

Distinctive Head Shield: One of the most striking characteristics of marrellomorphs is their broad, ornamented head shield, which often features elaborate spines or horns extending outward, giving them a fan-like or feathered appearance. This feature likely provided some protection and may have played a role in swimming or sensory functions.

Flattened Bodies: Marrellomorphs generally had a flattened, segmented body that allowed them to move easily across the seafloor. Unlike other arthropods, they lacked a robust exoskeleton, making their preservation in the fossil record relatively rare and remarkable.

Feathery Appendages: Some marrellomorphs had feathery, branched limbs used for filter-feeding, gathering detritus, or perhaps breathing. Their feeding habits suggest they were either filter feeders or scavengers, playing an important role in the ancient marine ecosystem.

Uncertain Phylogenetic Position: Despite being classified within the arthropods, marrellomorphs have a unique body plan that makes it challenging to place them within traditional arthropod groups like trilobites or crustaceans. Their unusual morphology has led scientists to study them closely to better understand the diversity and evolution of early arthropods.

FOSSIL MARRELLOMORPHS FOR SALE

Key Features Of Marrellomorphs