PennyT. Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Fossil Forum Trilobite Lovers, what references/resources do you use to identify trilobite fragments? Besides Caleb's photo gallery at midwestpaleo and the Dry Dredgers site, what would you recommend? What is really helpful are photos of trilo parts labeled in the matrix against which to compare one's own find. I am wondering if this is worth a separate thread for my fellow newbies- one where people post photos identifying molts and parts in situ, thought anyone? thanks Penny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sward Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Penny, I'm just starting out in trilo country myself having just moved to the area, so I'll be watching this thread closely. Thanks for posting the question. Here's one I found in the past but just starting to use: http://www.trilobites.info/ SWardSoutheast Missouri (formerly Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX) USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 That is an excellent one Sward! Explains a lot about trilobites. I'm so boggled with over 5,000 species of the critters, well, its too much for me! I too will be watching this thread in hopes of gaining more knowledge! Bev The more I learn, I realize the less I know. BluffCountryFossils.NET Fossil Adventure Blog Go to my Gallery for images of Fossil Jewelry, Sculpture & Crafts Pinned Posts: Beginner's Guide to Fossil Hunting * Geologic Formation Maps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 It would be more manageable to research resources of trilobites known from the areas one collects than trilobites of the world. Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 It would be more manageable to research resources of trilobites known from the areas one collects than trilobites of the world. Wonderful advice Indy, my problem is not knowing what trilobites are here to research just them. Midwestpaleo.com (Caleb's site) has a lot of them but not necessarily in a way to research and recognize them. He has lots of beautifully prepped trilobite fossils. But recognizing just an eye sticking out, or a free cheek, well that is beyond me at this point... The more I learn, I realize the less I know. BluffCountryFossils.NET Fossil Adventure Blog Go to my Gallery for images of Fossil Jewelry, Sculpture & Crafts Pinned Posts: Beginner's Guide to Fossil Hunting * Geologic Formation Maps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgehiker Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 My resource is...drum roll....'The Fossil Forum'. Most of the time we just need advice to get us pointed in the right direction. Some member can then suggest a regional publication, etc. I'm not a fan of general guides other that a primer Paleontological textbook to learn the basics on taxonomy, geologic ages, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missourian Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Some of this may have been covered above, but here goes anyway.... My method in the past has been to look through the appropriate 'Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology' volumes and write down every genus that is in the right age range. I also note the locations given for each genus. The states listed indicate which types are most likely to be found. There's a fair chance that a nearby college library will have a set of these Treatise volumes. Now that you have a list of genera, you can research them in various publications. I also comb the publications of my local state geological survey as well as those in nearby states. These titles are likely listed online. I look for information on stratigraphic units as well as fossil types. If you're lucky, you may even find a study on the trilobites of some formation. Also, look through reference lists at the end of any publication that you are able to read. There always seems to be at least a couple references that look promising. I would research the taxonomy of trilobites (or whichever fossil) to figure out the anatomical differences. With enough knowledge and practice, you'll get to the point where you can spot certain types -- or have a good idea -- with just a look at a partial piece. 4 Context is critical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 (edited) Some of this may have been covered above, but here goes anyway.... My method in the past has been to look through the appropriate 'Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology' volumes and write down every genus that is in the right age range. I also note the locations given for each genus. The states listed indicate which types are most likely to be found. There's a fair chance that a nearby college library will have a set of these Treatise volumes. Now that you have a list of genera, you can research them in various publications. I also comb the publications of my local state geological survey as well as those in nearby states. These titles are likely listed online. I look for information on stratigraphic units as well as fossil types. If you're lucky, you may even find a study on the trilobites of some formation. Also, look through reference lists at the end of any publication that you are able to read. There always seems to be at least a couple references that look promising. I would research the taxonomy of trilobites (or whichever fossil) to figure out the anatomical differences. With enough knowledge and practice, you'll get to the point where you can spot certain types -- or have a good idea -- with just a look at a partial piece. Edited November 3, 2013 by Indy 1 Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piranha Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 My recommendation is to get all of them! Since that's not practical for most folks I agree with the suggestion to narrow the publication search to a specific region and topic of interest. In this instance the Ordovician trilobites of the Midwest is a good starting point including illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. As your database and collection grows, similar aged trilobite faunas from other regions in North America and around the world can and should be investigated. Please send me a PM with email address and I will be happy to send you an excellent set of Midwest Ordovician trilobite publications for your research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sward Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 ... Please send me a PM with email address and I will be happy to send you an excellent set of Midwest Ordovician trilobite publications for your research... Piranha is truly a wealth of resources and information and is more than happy to help with needed publications. He is an excellent ambassador for the TFF, well deserving of the "MOTM" banner. SWardSoutheast Missouri (formerly Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX) USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Fossil Forum Trilobite Lovers, what references/resources do you use to identify trilobite fragments? Besides Caleb's photo gallery at midwestpaleo and the Dry Dredgers site, what would you recommend? What is really helpful are photos of trilo parts labeled in the matrix against which to compare one's own find. I am wondering if this is worth a separate thread for my fellow newbies- one where people post photos identifying molts and parts in situ, thought anyone? thanks Penny I understand where you're coming from ... Just compare trilobite fragments in matrix to pictures of trilobite fragments in matrix to find identifications. However, that kind of massive extensive photo resource of trilobite fragments in matrix doesn't exist and never will. Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piranha Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Piranha is truly a wealth of resources and information and is more than happy to help with needed publications. He is an excellent ambassador for the TFF, well deserving of the "MOTM" banner. There is no embargo on knowledge here at TFF. Thanks for the nice comments! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PennyT. Posted November 4, 2013 Author Share Posted November 4, 2013 Scott,etal, thanks for getting this post off to a good start. More suggestions and sites are most welcome from our forum citizenry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PennyT. Posted November 4, 2013 Author Share Posted November 4, 2013 Here is a photo of Caleb's for use identifying several species in matrix for Wisconsin. http://www.thefossilforum.com/uploads/monthly_11_2013/post-3840-0-74238100-1383585422.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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