A group of researchers has discovered the best-preserved three-dimensional trilobite fossils ever found, shedding new light on these ancient marine inhabitants. The fossils, which date back more than 500 million years, were found in the High Atlas of Morocco and have been nicknamed “Pompeii trilobites” due to their extraordinary preservation in volcanic ash.

Led by Prof. Abderrazak El Albani, a geologist from the University of Poitiers, the international team includes Dr. Greg Edgecombe from the Natural History Museum. Dr. Edgecombe, who has dedicated almost 40 years to the study of trilobites, describes his astonishment: I have never felt that I was observing living animals as much as with these fossils. The 3D preservation is truly amazing.

The discovery underscores the importance of volcanic ash in the exceptional preservation of fossils in shallow marine environments. Due to their hard, calcified exoskeleton, trilobites are some of the best-studied marine fossils, with more than 20,000 species described in the last two centuries. However, the preservation of soft tissues has been scarce, limiting the complete understanding of this diverse group.

Microtomographic reconstruction of the head and anterior trunk (“body”) limbs of the trilobite Protolenus (Hupeolenus) in ventral view
Microtomographic reconstruction of the head and anterior trunk (“body”) limbs of the trilobite Protolenus (Hupeolenus) in ventral view. Credit: Arnaud MAZURIER / IC2MP, Univ. Poitiers

Enclosed in hot ash and seawater, the Moroccan trilobites fossilized quickly, preserving every segment of their bodies, legs, and hair-like structures. Even the digestive tract and small limpets attached to the trilobites were preserved in their original state.

Prof. El Albani comments on his exciting discovery: Finding fossils in such a remarkable state of preservation within a volcanic environment was a profoundly exciting experience. I believe pyroclastic deposits should become new study targets due to their exceptional potential for preserving biological remains, including delicate soft tissues.

Through CT scanning and computer modeling, the researchers uncovered unprecedented details in the fossils, such as spoon-shaped curved bases on the mouth appendages and a fleshy lobe called the labrum. Co-author Harry Berks from the University of Bristol highlights: The findings reveal in detail a cluster of specialized legs around the mouth, providing a clearer picture of how trilobites fed. The dense inward-facing spines on the appendages resemble those of modern horseshoe crabs.

Microtomographic reconstruction of the trilobite Gigoutella mauretanica in ventral view
Microtomographic reconstruction of the trilobite Gigoutella mauretanica in ventral view. Credit: Arnaud MAZURIER / IC2MP, Univ. Poitiers

I believe pyroclastic deposits should become new study targets, given their exceptional potential to trap and preserve biological remains, including delicate soft tissues. These findings are expected to lead to significant discoveries about the evolution of life on our planet Earth, concludes El Albani.


SOURCES

University of Bristol

Abderrazak El Albani et al. ,Rapid volcanic ash entombment reveals the 3D anatomy of Cambrian trilobites. Science384, 1429-1435(2024). DOI:10.1126/science.adl4540


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