Object Record
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Metadata
Title |
Achatinoidea sp., Sea Snail Fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma |
Object Name |
Shell, Animal |
Description |
Stramonita sp., 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 specimen is whelk-shaped, and pale beige in color. Dark brown sediment, as if packed inside the shell, is exposed where shell loss has occurred. Underside surface also reveals dark brown sediment where shell is lost, with unidentified white material embedded in exposed sediment. |
Date |
1.5 - .75 Ma |
Catalog Number |
2014.009.003 |
Collection |
3D - Biology |
Kingdom |
Animalia (Animals) |
Phylum |
Mollusca (Molluscs) |
Class |
Gastropoda (Snails, limpets) |
Order |
Achatinoidea (Snails) |
Family |
Muricidae |
Genus |
Stramonita |
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. |
Dimensions |
H-1 W-2 D-2.375 inches |
Search Terms |
Fossils Shellfish Merced Formation South San Francisco |
Subjects |
Fossils Shells Shellfish Snails Marine biology |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Marilyn & Robert Moore |