Spiral Gastropod (ONLINE ORDER ONLY)

This fossil is the shell of a spiral gastropod that lived approximately 54 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch.

Gastropods, one of the most diverse groups of species on Earth, are second in variety only to insects. With an estimated 24,000 terrestrial species, 35,000 aquatic species, and 15,000 extinct species, the specific species of this shell is yet to be determined.

Unlike many fossils where soft tissues decay rapidly, the spiral shell’s structure lends itself well to preservation. This particular shell exhibits a remarkable state of preservation, retaining its intricate spiral structure, which is characteristic of many gastropods.

Gastropods are known for their long evolutionary history, with the earliest fossils dating back to the Cambrian Period, around 500 million years ago, highlighting their resilience and adaptability through Earth’s history.