Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Cast of Macoma nasuta, Bent-nosed Clam Fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma |
Object Name |
Shell, Animal |
Description |
Cast of Tellina? sp., bent-nosed clam 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. Specimen is a casting of two Macoma nasuta fossil in sediment. Growth lines are visible, highlighted by lighter colored sediment. Overall hue is reddish-brown, indicating the likely presence of iron oxide. |
Date |
1.5 - .75 Ma |
Catalog Number |
2014.009.043 |
Dimensions |
H-1 W-3.375 D-2.375 inches |
Collection |
3D - Biology |
Kingdom |
Animalia (Animals) |
Phylum |
Mollusca (Molluscs) |
Class |
Bivalvia (Bivalves) |
Order |
Veneroida (bivalve order) |
Family |
Tellinidae (Bivalve molluscs) |
Genus |
Tellina |
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 identified on 4/8/2014. Macoma nasuta (Common name: Bent-nosed Clam) still thrives in the Bay Area. |
Search Terms |
Fossils Merced Formation Shellfish South San Francisco |
Subjects |
Fossils Marine biology Shellfish Shells |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Marilyn & Robert Moore |