Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Clinocardium nuttalli, Basket Cockle Fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma |
Object Name |
Shell, Animal |
Description |
Cardiidae indet., basket cockle 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 specimen is comprised of two shells, separated by a layer of sediment. Top shell has ridges that appear to run the length of its surface. One large fracture runs across the width of the shell, with another fracture that runs the length, from ligament to front edge. Shell is fragmented along its front edge. Bottom shell has larger ridges, indicating that these two shells are likely not from the same animal. Most of the bottom shell is lost, but ridges appear to have extended the length of the shell. Both shells are white and sediment between the two is light brown. |
Date |
1.5 - .75 Ma |
Catalog Number |
2014.009.010 |
Dimensions |
H-0.625 W-0.875 D-1 inches |
Collection |
3D - Biology |
Kingdom |
Animalia (Animals) |
Phylum |
Mollusca (Molluscs) |
Class |
Bivalvia (Bivalves) |
Order |
Veneroida (bivalve order) |
Family |
Cardiidae (Cockles) |
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 04/17/2018. Retired Geologist Ken Lajoie identified on 4/24/2014. Clinocardium nuttali (Common name: Basket Cockle) still thrives in the Bay Area. |
Search Terms |
Fossils Shellfish Merced Formation South San Francisco |
Subjects |
Fossils Shells Shellfish Marine biology |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Marilyn & Robert Moore |