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Inoceramid: Platyceramus platinus


Inoceramid: Platyceramus platinus
Inoceramid: Platyceramus platinus Inoceramid: Platyceramus platinus
Inoceramid: Platyceramus platinus Inoceramid: Platyceramus platinus

"Gigantic Oyster shell"
Cretaceous (82 m.y.o.)
Niobrara Formation, Smoky Hill Chalk, Gove County, Kansas, USA
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Complete Gigantic Oyster , 52” tall and 52” across (132 cm. x 132 cm.). Matrix measures 54.5" x 56.5" (138 cm. x 142 cm.). Specimen has OUTSTANDING preservation and contains both the dorsal and ventral valves. Numerous and well-defined growth rings (similar to the growth rings on a tree) can be seen. It has been extrapolated that five to seven of these thin rings represent one year's growth ( Journal of Paleontology , Vol. 81, No. 1, Jan. 2007, pg. 64-81).

Several large colonies of the small rudist: Pseudoperna congesta are attached to the shell. Scientists have determined that these giant oysters grew very large and thin in order to spread their weight over a larger area and allow them to "float" upon the aqueous ocean bottom; the "soupy" sediment could not support heavy invertebrates. This evolutionary adaptation has been termed the "snowshoe effect". Specimen has been prepared "as discovered" (ventral view) and rests in its refined field jacket. Some small fracture repair with very minimal restoration. Massive Exhibit Specimen – may be the largest known fossil oyster ever collected!

Weight is approximately 75 kilos. (165 lbs.). Custom wood crate included. Shipping by truck or air freight only.

Stock #4126
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