Fossil Bivalve Plagiostoma hoperi Chalk Marl Cretaceous Southernham Quarry East Sussex UK

Description

Authentic Fossil Bivalve – Plagiostoma hoperi

This listing features a genuine fossil bivalve, Plagiostoma hoperi, preserved in the Chalk Marl deposits of the Cretaceous period, collected from the renowned Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK. This species is a classic example of marine bivalves that thrived in the warm, shallow seas of the Late Cretaceous, offering collectors and enthusiasts an exceptional specimen with historical and scientific importance. Each fossil is carefully selected and photographed, ensuring the specimen you see is the exact one you will receive. A Certificate of Authenticity is provided, confirming its genuine provenance.

Geological Context

The fossil originates from the Chalk Marl of East Sussex, a transitional unit within the Upper Cretaceous succession of southern England. These deposits formed around 95–90 million years ago in a shallow marine environment dominated by chalky sediments rich in calcium carbonate. The Chalk Marl preserved an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including ammonites, echinoids, fish, and bivalves such as Plagiostoma hoperi.

Southernham Quarry Pit has long been recognised as an important fossil site, providing a window into the palaeoecology of the Cretaceous seas. The fine-grained nature of the Chalk Marl allowed for detailed preservation, making it possible to study delicate shell structures and surface ornamentation.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Pectinida
• Superfamily: Pectinoidea
• Family: Pectinidae
• Genus: Plagiostoma
• Species: P. hoperi

Plagiostoma is part of the pectinid group, closely related to modern scallops. These bivalves are known for their distinctive ribbed shells and ability to live in shallow marine habitats, filtering nutrients from the water.

Morphological Features

The fossil Plagiostoma hoperi is characterised by:

• A fan-shaped shell with strong radial ribs.
• Curved growth lines that indicate stages of development during the animal’s lifespan.
• A shell form adapted to resting on or slightly above the seabed, with ridges that strengthened the structure.
• Symmetry typical of scallop-like bivalves, aiding stability in soft marine substrates.

These morphological features make Plagiostoma hoperi a distinctive and easily recognisable fossil within the Chalk Marl fauna.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Specimens such as this are valued for both their scientific and aesthetic qualities:

• They contribute to the biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous, helping geologists correlate chalk marl deposits across different regions.
• They illustrate the adaptive success of bivalves during the Late Cretaceous marine radiation.
• Their ribbed and fan-shaped shells make them visually striking display pieces, appreciated by fossil collectors and natural history enthusiasts alike.

For collectors, a fossil from Southernham Quarry represents a piece of British palaeontological heritage, with historical significance due to the quarry’s long record of fossil discovery.

Provenance and Authenticity

This Plagiostoma hoperi fossil was excavated from Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK, in the Cretaceous Chalk Marl. It is guaranteed 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen has not been altered, ensuring you receive an authentic piece of natural history, exactly as it was found.

Owning this Cretaceous bivalve fossil provides a tangible connection to life in the ancient chalk seas of East Sussex. Whether as a scientific specimen, a teaching aid, or a striking display piece, this Plagiostoma hoperi fossil makes a valuable addition to any collection.