Deltoblastus, a fossil blastoid
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Deltoblastus, a fossil blastoid
Deltoblastus, 1.5 cm in diameter, from the Permian of Timor. side view
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Media ID 14237930
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
Black Background Echinoderm Echinodermata Fossil Fossilised Indonesia Indonesian Paleozoic Permian Phanerozoic Prehistoric Prehistory South East Asia Southeast Asia Specimen Studioshot Timor Invertebrata
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this studio shot, the fossilized Deltoblastus blastoid, a remarkable specimen from the Permian period of Timor, Asia, takes center stage against a stark black background. Measuring a mere 1.5 centimeters in diameter, this ancient invertebrate is a testament to the rich biosphere that once thrived in the Southeast Asian region during the Paleozoic Era. Belonging to the class Blastoidea and the family Schizoblastidae, Deltoblastus is identified by its distinctive deltoid or triangular shape, with a prominent central disc and five radial arms, each adorned with a series of small pores or spiracles. These openings facilitated the exchange of water and waste products, allowing the blastoid to breathe and feed. The Deltoblastus fossil is an exquisite example of the Blastozoa, a subclass of the Echinodermata, which includes modern-day starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. Although Deltoblastus and its contemporaries share some similarities with their modern counterparts, they represent a distinct and fascinating chapter in the history of life on Earth. The Permian period, which spanned from approximately 299 to 252 million years ago, was a time of significant evolutionary change. Deltoblastus and other blastoids were among the many organisms that inhabited the diverse marine ecosystems that characterized this era. Their fossilized remains, such as this beautifully preserved example, offer valuable insights into the prehistoric world and the intricate web of life that existed during the Phanerozoic Coniferous, the most recent geological epoch. This image of Deltoblastus serves as a poignant reminder of the vast and complex history that lies beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered and explored. It is a testament to the enduring allure of the natural world and the endless fascination that fossils hold for scientists, enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.
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