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Gryphaea incurva, oyster
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Gryphaea incurva, oyster
Fossil oyster also known as the Devils Toenail, specimen from the Lower Lias, Gloucestershire
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Media ID 8611304
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10713716
Bivalve Bivalve Mollusc Bivalvia Devil Early Jurassic Fossil Fossilised Jurassic Lamellibranch Lamellibranchia Lias Mesozoic Mollusc Mollusca Mollusk Ostreoida Oyster Phanerozoic Prehistoric Gryphaea Invertebrata Lower Lias Toenail
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Glimpse into the Past: The Fossilized Gryphaea Incurva, or Devil's Toenail, from the Lower Lias of Gloucestershire" 2.. This image showcases a beautifully preserved fossil of Gryphaea incurva, also known as the Devil's Toenail or Honeycomb Oyster. This ancient mollusc is a bivalve, belonging to the family Gryphaeidae, and lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 183 million years ago. This particular specimen hails from the Lower Lias formation in Gloucestershire, England. The Gryphaea incurva is a fascinating fossil due to its unique morphology. Its shell is characterized by a distinct, fan-like shape, with intricate, hexagonal patterns on its outer surface. This complex structure was an adaptation that allowed the oyster to cling tightly to the seabed, even in turbulent waters. The name "Devil's Toenail" derives from the resemblance of the fossil's shape to a human foot or toenail. This nickname adds a whimsical touch to the scientific name, which refers to its classification as an ostreoid bivalve within the subclass Ostreoidea and the superorder Ostreoida. The Gryphaea incurva is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Mesozoic Era, a time when the Earth was home to a myriad of prehistoric creatures. Its discovery provides us with valuable insights into the ancient world, allowing us to appreciate the intricacies of life that existed long before our time. This fossil is an essential addition to any collection of prehistoric life forms, serving as a reminder of the wonders that lie hidden beneath the Earth's surface. The Gryphaea incurva is not only a beautiful specimen but also a piece of history, connecting us to the fascinating world of the Phanerozoic Eon and the Mesozoic Era.
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