Fossil arthropod
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Fossil arthropod
Fossil Anomalocaris sp. arthropod limb from the Middle Cambrian Era, 500 million years ago, found in the Burgess Shale. This is one of a pair of segmented grasping limbs from the front of this large swimming predator. The spines were used to grasp prey, for example trilobites, which were passed to a circular mouth under the head (not seen). It had two large eyes and an elongated body with pairs of swimming lobes along the sides. The animal was originally incorrectly identified as a strange shrimp because only fossils of the limbs had been found. The first complete specimen was described in 1981. The Burgess Shale fossil beds are in British Columbia, Canada
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6370149
© ALAN SIRULNIKOFF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Arthropod British Columbia Burgess Shale Canada Canadian Field Fossil Invertebrate Fossilized Fossils Limb Part Predator Predatory Preserved Rock Rocks Spines Palaeontology Section
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable fossil arthropod from the Middle Cambrian Era, dating back an astonishing 500 million years. Discovered in the Burgess Shale of British Columbia, Canada, this fossil represents one of a pair of segmented grasping limbs belonging to the enigmatic Anomalocaris sp. This ancient creature was a formidable swimming predator equipped with spines on its limbs that were used to ensnare prey such as trilobites. Initially misidentified as a peculiar shrimp due to only finding fossils of its limbs, it wasn't until 1981 that the first complete specimen shed light on this extraordinary animal's true nature. With two large eyes and an elongated body adorned with pairs of swimming lobes along its sides, Anomalocaris possessed a circular mouth hidden beneath its head for devouring captured prey. Preserved within layers of rock, this well-preserved limb offers us invaluable insights into the fascinating world of paleontology. The intricate details preserved in this fossilized appendage provide clues about how these predatory creatures navigated through prehistoric oceans and interacted with their environment. As we marvel at this snapshot frozen in time, let us appreciate both the beauty and scientific significance encapsulated within it. Science Photo Library brings forth yet another stunning image that invites us to explore our planet's ancient past and unravel the mysteries held by these mesmerizing relics from deep beneath Earth's surface.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
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.
