Cf Traumatocrinus
sp
Phylum Echinodermata,
Class Crinoidea, Family Encrinidae
Geological
Time: Triassic
Size (25.4
mm = 1 inch): Crinoid crowns are 8 mm – 38 mm across
Fossil Site:
Xingyi, Guizhou Province of China
Description:
This superb plaque is covered with literally DOZENS of articulated
crinoids from the Triassic of China. They most closely resemble
Traumatocrinus, but are
relatively small when compared to ones I have seen in the past.
Traumatocrinus is presumed to have lived a pseudopelagic existence
attached to floating logs, the same as Pentamites and Seirocrinus
from Europe. The largest (and thus oldest examples would be found
at the bottom of the log, while progressively smaller ones would
be found higher up as the log continued to lose byouancy. Ultimately
the log would sink to the bottom, carrying the entire colony to
a watery grave on the ocean floor. I have never seen a specimen
such as this before. It would make a fine addition to any collection,
whether public or private.
|
|