Early Ordovician (Arenigian)

Upper Fezouata Formation

Zagora, Draa Valley, Morocco

Two excellent 6mm positive on 63mm x 30mm slab.

Arthropod.

Arthropod. Soft-bodied. Lagerstatten. Multiple.

This is the first known occurrence in Africa and the earliest known occurrence of synziphosurines anywhere. They are better known from the Early Silurian to Early Carboniferous of North America and Europe.

A synziphosurine is a member of a suborder of arthropods, Synziphosurina, considered to be stem-group xiphosurans. In other words, based on current understanding, they may not be ancestral to xiphosurans (horseshoe crabs) but they are more closely related to their ancestors than to other groups.

This truly ancient piece speaks of balance in nature and the universe. In turbulent times it might help you find peace of mind.