Large Chondrichthyan Egg Case from Poorly-Studied Location

Palaeoxyris sp

Problematica

Geological Time: Pennsylvanian (~300 m.y.a.)

Size: Fossil is 88 mm long

Fossil Site: Knob Noster, Johnson County, Missouri


Palaeoxyris Chondrichthyan Egg Case FossilDescription: When first discovered over 150 years ago, specimens such as this found in the Mazon Creek deposits of Illinois were thought to be plants. During the 1970’s, examples from Oklahoma were designated as egg cases, Chondrichthyan Egg Casemost probably those of sharks. Multiple examples have sometimes been found attached to plant remains much like the spokes on a wheel. This particular example comes from a site roughly contemporary to Mazon Creek known as the Knob Noster Largerstatte of Johnson County, Missouri. This is a near-surface deposit accidentally discovered during bulldozing in 1990. The fauna is similar to that of Mazon Creek but at present less extensive. Further study may bring to light more materials. This is the FIRST and ONLY example I have been able to secure from this locality.

click to enlarge


l Paleontology & Fossils l Paleobiology and Geologic Timeline l
l Fossil Amber l Ammonite Fossils l Dinosaur and Reptile Fossils l Fossil Kits l
l Crinoids and Echinoderms l Fish Fossils l Fossil Dealers l Insect Fossils l Invertebrate Fossils l
l Plant Fossils l Stromatolites l Trace & Ichnofossils l Trilobite Fossils l Vertebrate Fossils l