Giant Trilobite found in Portugal

Scientists and paleontologists recently announced the discovery of the largest trilobite ever discovered. 


Trilobites are marine arthropods that lived in the Cambrian period, 291 million of years before the first dinosaurs. 

The Trilobites found in Portugal measured over three feet in length. About as long as a Sarcophilus harrisii!


But the funny thing is that they didn't find just one or two of these Trilobites, they found thousands! They call this rich fossil site a "lagerstätte".


The way the Trilobites were arranged showes clues on how these animals lived. Some were taking refuge when they were buried. Others can be seen giving birth and molting!


The chemistry of the rocks that contain the fossils indicate that the area that the trilobites were preserved in had a very low oxygen content.