Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Achatinoidea sp., Sea Snail Fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma |
Object Name |
Shell, Animal |
Description |
Forreria sp., sea snail fossil dating from between 23.03 to 5.333 million years ago commonly found at low tide in littoral (sandy and muddy bottom) or sub-littoral (open bay, muddy marine) zones. Fossil is pale brown in color and embedded in darker brown sediment. Sediment is also exposed where shell loss has occurred. On bottom portion of fossil (sediment), there are areas that have reddish streaks, likely indicating the presence of iron oxide. Underside surface contains exposed snail fossil and other shell fragments. |
Date |
23.03 to 5.333 Ma |
Catalog Number |
2014.009.004 |
Dimensions |
H-1 W-1.875 D-1.375 inches |
Collection |
3D - Biology |
Kingdom |
Animalia (Animals) |
Phylum |
Mollusca (Molluscs) |
Class |
Gastropoda (Snails, limpets) |
Order |
Achatinoidea (Snails) |
Family |
Muricidae (sea snails) |
Genus |
Forreria |
Species |
sp. |
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 tried to identify on 4/24/2014 but could not identify Genus and species. |
Search Terms |
Fossils Shellfish Merced Formation South San Francisco |
Subjects |
Fossils Shells Shellfish Snails Marine biology |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Marilyn & Robert Moore |