MadSci Network: Zoology
Query:

Re: Could Maclurites magma and Phacops rana grazed on the same floors/reef?

Date: Mon Dec 30 12:20:17 2002
Posted By: Thomas M. Greiner, Associate Professor of Anatomy / Physical Anthropology
Area of science: Zoology
ID: 1039456112.Zo
Message:

Could _Maclurites magma_ and _Phacops rana_ be found in the same fossil 
strata?

_Maclurites magma_ was a snail-like creature that lived during the 
Ordovician period (490 – 440 million years ago). It is also the state 
fossil of Maine.

_Phacops rana_ is a type of trilobite that lived during the Devonian 
period (405 – 365 million years ago). It is also the state fossil of 
Pennsylvania.

Although there are no modern trilobites, the trilobite family of animals 
was around for a very long time. Similarly snail-like creatures have a 
long heritage and are still around today. Fossils of a trilobite and a 
snail can be found right next to each other. However, the fossil species 
you mentioned are not known to have lived at the same time. The is a 35 
million year gap between them. Still, over the long haul 35 million years 
is not that big of a gap, especially when you are considering mollusk 
evolution.. So, I would not be surprised if fossils of the two species 
were found side-by-side.



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