Hyolithid Fossils
Phylum Hyolitha (?)
Geological Time: Lower Cambrian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Hyolithid fossils 10 to 12 mm; matrix ~ 110 x 60 mm
Fossil Site: Pioche Shale, Nevada
Fossil Code: INV14
Price: $24.00
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 
sometimes
classified as a Mollusk, though as a distinct separate class. Since do
not bear any apparent resemblance to any extant group, it is unclear which
living group they are most
closely related to. They reached their peak in the Cambrian and declined
thereafter.
This plate has three Hyolithids fossils overlayed. They come from the famous, Lower Cambrian, Pioche Shale in Nevada where they are sometimes found in association with Olenellid trilobtes.
Add a new class of fossil animal not often offered to your fossil collection.
