Back to search
Bicknell et al., 2025

Abnormal trilobites from the Silurian and Devonian of Europe

Bicknell, R., Hopkins, M. J., Smith, P. M., Amati, L.
DOI
DOI10.4202/app.01229.2024
Year2025
Typearticle in journal
LanguageEnglish
Id51399

Abstract

Malformed trilobites have been documented in deposits ranging from the Cambrian to the Permian. Continued examination of novel malformed specimens provides insight into how trilobites recovered from injuries, experienced genetic abnormalities, and adapted to pathological conditions. This study focuses on trilobites from the Silurian and Devonian of Europe, presenting new records of: (i) a moulting-related injury in Lioharpes venulosus; (ii) genetic malformations in Calymene blumenbachii and Treveropyge sp.; and (iii) a moulting injury or genetic anomaly in Scutellum (Scutellum) pardalios. Additionally, we record evidence of bryozoan growth on a C. blumenbachii specimen. Our findings provide important data for contextualizing the paleobiology of early and middle Paleozoic trilobites, especially related to responses to ecological pressures.

Last change: 21.5.2025
KIKNATARCSARVTÜ Loodusmuuseumi geokogudEesti Loodusmuuseumi geoloogia osakond
All materials in the portal are for free usage according to CC BY-SA , unless indiated otherwise.
Portal is part of natianal research infrastructure and geoscience data platform SARV, hosted by TalTech.
Open Book icon by Icons8.