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Eocene Fossil Crab London Clay Isle of Sheppey Kent UK Genuine Specimen with COA

Eocene Fossil Crab London Clay Isle of Sheppey Kent UK Genuine Specimen with COA

£20.40

Scale cube=1cm: Full sizing please see photo

 

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Specimen: Crab

Age: London Clay, Eocene

Location: Isle of Sheppey, Kent, UK

 

London Clay fossil crabs from the Isle of Sheppey provide a remarkable window into the Eocene epoch, a period spanning from about 56 to 33.9 million years ago. The Isle of Sheppey, located in the Thames estuary in the United Kingdom, is renowned for its rich deposits of London Clay, which have yielded a diverse array of exceptionally well-preserved fossils, including crabs.

 

These fossil crabs represent species that thrived in the ancient, shallow, and warm seas that covered the region during the Eocene. The London Clay formation has preserved these marine organisms in exquisite detail, including delicate structures like appendages and carapaces, offering paleontologists valuable insights into the morphology and ecology of Eocene crabs.

 

The fossil crabs from the Isle of Sheppey exhibit a variety of forms and sizes, reflecting the diversity of crab species present in the Eocene seas. Some of these crabs may have had flattened bodies and specialized claws, adapted to their specific ecological niches and lifestyles. The well-preserved fossils allow researchers to study the intricate details of their anatomy, providing clues about their behavior, feeding habits, and evolutionary adaptations.

 

The Isle of Sheppey’s London Clay fossils are not limited to crabs; they also include a wealth of other marine life, such as mollusks, fish, and plants. This assemblage of fossils contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the ancient marine ecosystems that once flourished in the area.

 

Beyond their scientific significance, London Clay fossil crabs captivate fossil enthusiasts and collectors with their intricate beauty and historical value. The fossils often undergo meticulous preparation to reveal their details, and many specimens are prized for their aesthetic appeal.

 

In summary, the London Clay fossil crabs from the Isle of Sheppey offer a tangible link to the Eocene seas, allowing us to explore the ancient marine life that inhabited the region millions of years ago. These fossils contribute to our understanding of paleoecology, evolution, and the dynamic history of life on Earth during a time of significant geological and climatic changes.

 

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9281 Category:

Description

Authentic Eocene Fossil Crab from the London Clay, Isle of Sheppey

This listing offers a genuine fossil crab specimen from the world-renowned London Clay deposits of the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, UK. Dating back to the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago, this specimen provides a rare glimpse into the marine life of an ancient world. The exact specimen photographed is the one you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and genuine nature.

Geological Formation: The London Clay

The London Clay Formation is a marine sedimentary deposit laid down in the early Eocene period, when the region was submerged beneath shallow, warm seas. This formation is particularly famous for its exceptional fossil preservation, capturing not only robust shells and bones but also delicate features such as carapaces and appendages. The Isle of Sheppey, in the Thames estuary, is one of the most productive sites for London Clay fossils, making it a key location for paleontological study.

Morphology and Species Diversity

The fossil crabs of the Isle of Sheppey reflect the great diversity of crustacean life that thrived in the Eocene seas. These fossils preserve intricate anatomical details such as claws, legs, and body shapes, enabling researchers to study their morphology with great precision. Some species developed adaptations like flattened bodies or specialised pincers to suit their ecological niches, whether for burrowing, feeding, or defense. These adaptations provide insight into evolutionary pathways and environmental pressures of the Eocene epoch.

Paleoecological Insights

The Eocene was a period of significant global warmth, and the London Clay fauna reflects a thriving subtropical marine ecosystem. Fossil crabs from this deposit, alongside mollusks, fish, plants, and occasional reptiles, contribute to a broader understanding of the biodiversity and ecological complexity of the time. These fossils help reconstruct the food webs and environmental conditions that shaped early Cenozoic marine life.

Studying London Clay crabs gives paleontologists vital information about the roles these crustaceans played within their ecosystems, from scavengers and predators to burrowers that shaped the seafloor environment.

Collecting and Display Value

Fossil crabs from the Isle of Sheppey are highly prized by both collectors and researchers. Their exquisite preservation allows them to be admired not only for their scientific value but also for their natural beauty. Meticulous preparation often reveals striking details of the carapace and claws, making each specimen unique. These fossils are excellent additions to private collections, educational resources, or museum displays.

Authenticity Guarantee

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens. This Eocene Fossil Crab from the Isle of Sheppey’s London Clay Formation comes with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying its age and origin. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive, providing full transparency and confidence in your purchase.

Additional information

Era

Eocene
Origin

United Kingdom

Eocene Information

The Eocene Period (56–33.9 million years ago) was a time of warm global temperatures and the rapid evolution of mammals following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The climate was hot and humid, with lush rainforests covering much of the planet, even near the poles. Mammals diversified into new ecological roles, with early primates, whales (like Basilosaurus), large herbivores, and carnivores emerging. Birds and reptiles also thrived, and the first grasses began spreading, setting the stage for later grassland ecosystems. By the late Eocene, the Earth’s climate cooled significantly, leading to the formation of the first Antarctic ice sheets and the eventual transition to the drier, cooler Oligocene Period.

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