Trilobite fossil, SEM
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Trilobite fossil, SEM
Trilobite fossil, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Trilobites were arthropods, the shelled segmented invertebrates that include crabs and insects and spiders. Their exoskeleton covered them on top (seen here) as they fed on the seabed. The body is divided into three parts: the cephalon (head), the thorax (numerous segments) and in some trilobites, a pygidium (tail). The eyes (top left and top right) were a compound collection of tiny lenses (the holes seen here). Uniquely, trilobite eye lenses were made from calcite, the transparent crystal form of calcium carbonate. Trilobites varied in length from 0.1 to 70 centimetres. They lived between 500 and 300 million years ago
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6370181
© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Arthropod Body Calcite Calcium Carbonate Compound Crystal Crystalline Early Exoskeleton Extinct Eyes Fossil Invertebrate Fossilised Fossils Lens Lenses Palaeontological Pre Historic Segment Segmented Segments Shell Sight Thorax Trilobite Vertical Vision Cephalon Palaeontology Pygidium
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a trilobite fossil, captured using a coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Trilobites, ancient arthropods belonging to the same group as crabs, insects, and spiders, roamed the seabed millions of years ago. Their exoskeletons provided protection while they foraged for food. The trilobite's body is divided into three distinct parts: the cephalon or head, the thorax with numerous segments, and in some species, a pygidium or tail. The compound eyes of this fascinating creature are visible on the top left and right corners of the image. These eyes were composed of countless tiny lenses that allowed them to perceive their surroundings. What makes trilobite eye lenses truly remarkable is that they were made from calcite – a transparent crystal form of calcium carbonate. Trilobites exhibited an incredible range in size, spanning from 0.1 centimeters to an astonishing 70 centimeters in length! They thrived between 500 and 300 million years ago before eventually becoming extinct. This vertical photograph provides us with a glimpse into their prehistoric world. Science Photo Library has expertly captured this rare fossilized specimen through their high-resolution SEM technique. The image beautifully highlights not only the intricate details of this ancient marine creature but also its crystalline structure and segmented body composition. It serves as a testament to our fascination with paleontology and allows us to marvel at these extraordinary creatures that once inhabited our planet's oceans long before human existence began.
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