Hyolithid Fossil
Phylum Hyolitha
Geological Time: Lower Cambrian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Hyolithid 17 mm; matrix ~ 95 mm across at widest point
Fossil Site: Pioche Shale, Nevada
Fossil Code: INV22
Price: $34.00
The Hyolithids
are an extinct group of problematic animals that appeared in the Cambrian
and persisted into the Permian. They had a long, conically-shaped, closed
shell, with a lid (operculum) covering the opening, and a pair of long,
horn-like outgrowths. The animal lived on the sea-bottom, or partly buried.
They are 
usually
classified as a Mollusk, though as a distinct separate class. They reached
their peak in the Cambrian and declined thereafter.
This plate has one Hyolithid fossil contrasting well with the tan shale. It comes from the famous, Lower Cambrian, Pioche Shale in Nevada where they are sometimes found in association with Olenellid trilobtes. The long skinny traces that are seen Priapulid worm gut traces.
Add a new Class of fossil animal not often offered to your fossil collection.
