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Trilobite fossils from upstate New York reveal “extra” set of legs

A new study finds that a trilobite species from upstate New York has an additional pair of head appendages, helping researchers better understand how trilobite heads are segmented. The discovery expands on previous findings and proposes a model for how appendages were attached to the head.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Trilobites rise from the ashes to reveal ancient map

Researchers uncover 10 new trilobite species in Thai sanctuary, shedding light on Cambrian-Ordovician period and connecting Thailand to parts of Australia. The discovery helps date the age of fossils and better understand global geography.

The trilobites’ guide to surviving environmental change

A new study reveals how Aulacopleura, an ancient sea-dwelling trilobite, developed variable mid-section segments to tolerate dips in local oxygen levels. This adaptation allowed the species to thrive despite being preyed upon by larger predators.

New eyes discovered in trilobites

Scientists uncover evidence of median eyes in trilobites, which were previously unknown due to fossilization process. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of arthropods and provides a new tool for classifying species.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New Geology articles published online ahead of print in May

Researchers investigate protogenetic clinopyroxene inclusions for diamond dating and find implications for understanding Earth's mantle processes. They also study Andean deformation and its relation to flat slab subduction and tectonic inheritance.

Primordial ‘hyper-eye’ discovered

A team of researchers has found a 390-million-year-old hyper-facet eye system in trilobites that is unique to the animal kingdom. The discovery suggests that this ancient eye may have been an adaptation for life in low light conditions, and could provide insights into the evolution of visual systems.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

450-million-year-old sea creatures had a leg up on breathing

A new study has found evidence of sophisticated breathing organs in 450-million-year-old trilobites, revealing they breathed oxygen and had structures resembling gills on their thighs. This discovery helps piece together early animal evolution and situates trilobites between older arthropods and crustaceans.

Collective behavior 480 million years ago

Researchers studied fossilized Moroccan Ampyx trilobites and found evidence of orderly lines during storms, suggesting ancient group behavior. This discovery implies that group behavior may have conferred an evolutionary advantage on early animals, allowing them to survive environmental stress.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New 'king' of fossils discovered in Australia

A new species of trilobite, Redlichia rex, has been found in Australia, providing insights into the Cambrian 'explosion' and the evolution of defence mechanisms. The discovery reveals a giant size and formidable legs, suggesting an 'arms race' with predators.

Compound eyes a continuous feature of evolution

Researchers discovered the structure and functioning of a half-billion-year-old fossil trilobite's compound eye, showing similarities with modern compound eyes. The ancient eye consists of 100 subunits with eight sensory cells each, but lacks a lens, suggesting its development may have predated modern forms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Early trilobites had stomachs, new fossil study finds

Exceptionally preserved trilobite fossils reveal that at least two species evolved a stomach structure 20 million years earlier than thought. This discovery contradicts previous assumptions about trilobite digestive systems and evolution, suggesting a more complex evolutionary history.

Trilobite eggs in New York

Researchers have discovered the first occurrence of in situ preserved trilobite eggs from the Lorraine Group in upstate New York. The eggs are spherical to elliptical in shape and nearly 200 micrometers in size, providing valuable insights into the reproductive biology of ancient arthropods.

Fossils found reveal unseen 'footprint' maker

Researchers discovered fossils of a previously unknown trilobite species that left distinctive fossil footprints around the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The discovery reveals unique leg structures and digestive systems, providing insights into trilobite behavior and biology.

New geology research explores intriguing questions

Researchers use radar to predict sinkholes and analyze ancient ambers for clues about paleobotany. Serpentinization in seafloor environments reveals hydrogen generation and its impact on the deep biosphere. Vast landmasses form above sea level, while trilobites venture into upper intertidal zones.

Fossils record ancient migrations and trilobite orgies

Mass trilobite burials record communal behaviors similar to those in modern crustaceans, including molting, mating, and migratory queues. These 'geologic snapshots' preserve life position and molted exoskeletons, providing evidence of rapid burial and minimal disturbance.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Earth's first great predator wasn't

New 3D modeling of Anomalocaris' mouth parts reveals they were flexible, not hard like teeth. This challenges the long-held idea that it preyed on trilobites with hard shells. The investigation also found no signs of wear on the mouth parts, which further supports a soft-food diet.

Rare armor-plated creature discovered in Canada's capital

Scientists have unearthed a rare, 450-million-year-old fossil of an armor-plated creature, known as Plumulitid machaeridian, in downtown Ottawa. The discovery provides important evidence of how annelid worms evolved and sheds light on their unique body armor.

August Geology and GSA Today media highlights

Scientists investigate how volcanic ash affects ecosystems, find evidence of ancient desert landscapes and discover fossilized bone marrow in 10 million-year-old amphibians. Researchers also analyze the erosion rates of the Alps and explore the origins of zircon crystals.

Built-in eyeshade offers clue to prehistoric past

Researchers have discovered a complete specimen of phacopoid trilobite Erbenochile, featuring giant eyes with unique lobes that resemble lens shades or baseball hat brims. This finding provides new insights into the evolution and behavior of these ancient creatures.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Geologist helps to revive 'layer cake' model of stratigraphy

A geologist is helping to revive the 'layer cake' model of stratigraphy by tracing major events from Ontario and New York into Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky using advanced techniques. These methods allow for high-resolution recognition of events and tracking of small-scale events over large areas.