Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Buccinum sp., Whelk (sea snail) Fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma |
Object Name |
Shell, Animal |
Description |
Neptunea sp., whelk (sea snail) fossil, 1.5-.75 Ma 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 light brown overall, with a dark spot (mixed with what appears to be white shell fragments) toward the top of its shell. Growth lines are easily visible. Underside surface has other shell fragments and sediment from within the shell is exposed. |
Date |
1.5 - .75 Ma |
Catalog Number |
2014.009.020 |
Dimensions |
H-0.875 W-1.25 D-0.875 inches |
Collection |
3D - Biology |
Kingdom |
Animalia (Animals) |
Phylum |
Mollusca (Molluscs) |
Class |
Gastropoda (Snails, limpets) |
Order |
Achatinoidea (Snails) |
Family |
Buccinidae (Whelks) |
Genus |
Neptunea |
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 4/17/2018. Retired Geologist Ken Lajoie identified on 4/24/2014. |
Search Terms |
Fossils Shellfish Merced Formation South From San Francisco South San Francisco |
Subjects |
Fossils Shells Shellfish Snails Marine biology |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Marilyn & Robert Moore |