Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Buccinum sp., Whelk (sea snail) Fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma |
Object Name |
Shell, Animal |
Description |
Neogastropoda indet., whelk (sea snail) fossil dating from between 1.5 million years ago to .75 million years ago commonly found at low tide in littoral (sandy and muddy bottom) or sub-littoral (open bay, muddy marine) zones. Fossil is snail-shaped, with easily identifiable swirl at one end. Specimen is overall brown in hue, with some reddish patches, likely indicating the presence of iron oxide. Sediment within the shell is visible from underside surface of fossil. |
Date |
1.5 - .75 Ma |
Catalog Number |
2014.009.019 |
Dimensions |
H-0.875 W-1.375 D-1 inches |
Collection |
3D - Biology |
Kingdom |
Animalia (Animals) |
Phylum |
Mollusca (Molluscs) |
Class |
Gastropoda (Snails, limpets) |
Order |
Neogastropoda (Sea snails) |
Genus |
indet. |
Inscription Text |
none |
Provenance |
Fossils taken from Merced Formation collected at Westborough Boulevard at Highway 280 in the late 1970s or early 1980s. (See Yancey 1978, Fig. 2: Artifacts taken from E Stratified Section/D-5929). Most specimens (especially clams) in this collection are not extinct and can still be found in the Bay Area. |
Notes |
USGS Emeritus Charles Powell identified on 4/17/2018. Retired Geologist Ken Lajoie identified on 4/24/2014. |
Search Terms |
Fossils Shellfish Merced Formation South San Francisco |
Subjects |
Fossils Shells Shellfish Snails Marine biology |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Marilyn & Robert Moore |