Cranbrook Institute of Science’s Trilobite Treasures: Arthropods of the Ancient Seas is a family-friendly exhibit about the prehistoric life of the ancient seas when arthropods, more specifically trilobites opening May 31. Photo courtesy of CIS
The arthropods are coming.
The arthropods are coming!
For those who might not know it, arthropods are a fascinating prehistoric creature highlighted by a new traveling exhibition, “Trilobite Treasures: Arthropods of the Ancient Seas” opening at the Cranbrook Institute of Science May 31.
“Ancient fossils have brought geology and fossil lovers to Michigan for years, and we are thrilled to bring this dynamic and educational exhibition to the Institute,” said Michael Stafford, Ph.D., director of Cranbrook Institute of Science.
If you’re looking for a family friendly field trip this would be it — as the exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the prehistoric life of the ancient seas when arthropods, more specifically trilobites, an invertebrate animal that has an exoskeleton, a segmented body and jointed appendages, were plentiful.
Guests will have the opportunity to explore the unique life and death of these fine Paleozoic creatures, meaning ancient life, that once roamed the Earth during the Cambrian Period, commonly known as the Age of Trilobites.
“Fossils give us an exciting glimpse into Earth’s early history, into a world very different from the one we know today,” said Janet Beylin, educator for the Institute. “Strikingly different creatures evolved and adapted to changing conditions, and many went extinct. By studying them and learning their stories, we can better understand this Earth we call home.”
This new exhibit, appearing at the Institute of Science until Sept. 10, provides fossil enthusiasts and families of all ages an opportunity to explore ancient specimens in one place, while educating guests on the history of these unique creatures, including:
• Trilobites of Caleb’s Quarry, located in New York, offers a unique snapshot of a local mass mortality
• Trilobites of St. Petersburg, Russia
• A look at trilobites before and after
• A trilobite mass mortality plate from the Czech Republic
• Artifacts and tools of the trade
• Ancient sea murals
The curator of the exhibit, Paleo Joe, is an award-winning paleontologist and fossil hunter who began to develop his fossil collection, and subsequent search for knowledge, as a young child growing up in the fossil-rich Niagara Falls area. Since moving to Michigan in the early ’90s, Joe has taught classes on fossils in many elementary and middle schools.
“It’s easy for children to assume that the Earth was always the way it is today,” said Beylin. “By visiting the Trilobite Treasures exhibit, they can see a window into an alien world that is, surprisingly, their own world a long time ago.”
As with the curator of the exhibit you never know what might inspire a child to delve deeper and learn more about these creepy but very cool fossils of ancient times who developed the ability to curl up, or enroll in order to protect themselves from increasingly fierce predators.
Another cool fact?
Over time, some trilobites developed an impressive array of fearsome spines that could cover all or part of their bodies.
They are also believed to be the first creatures to develop eyes, a startling new development in a formerly sightless world.
“These eyes were multi-lensed compound eyes, similar in structure to a modern insect’s eyes. Covered by calcite, they are often well-preserved in the fossil record,” Beylin said.
“Trilobite Treasures: Arthropods of the Ancient Seas” is open during regular museum hours. Cost for admission is $1-$3 per person, in addition to general museum admission.
General Admission pricing is $13 for adults, $9.50 for children ages 2-12 and seniors age 65 and up. Children under age 2 and all members are free.
“Families of all ages will have the chance to experience the Age of the Trilobites, which is somewhat of a mystery to many people,” said Stafford. “People will walk away from this show with a much deeper understanding of what a trilobite is, the impact this species had on the ancient world and how nothing like them exists today.”
Why are trilobites so cool?
Teachers and parents alike will find the new exhibit both interesting and fun. To get things started Cranbrook’s educator has provided these top 10 facts about trilobites:
• Trilobites are part of a hugely diverse grouping and extinct invertebrates called arthropods. Common living arthropods include insects, spiders, and crustaceans.
• The trilobite’s closest modern relative is a horseshoe crab, but it looks most like a modern woodlouse (roly-poly).
• Trilobites developed, flourished, and went extinct long before there were dinosaurs.
• Most trilobites walked on the seafloor, but others could bury themselves – or swim!
• They had a huge diversity of body shapes and sizes.
• Fossils of trilobites can be found world-wide.
• A trilobite’s exoskeleton helps it preserve well as a fossil.
• Michigan has some trilobite fossils, but not as many as some other states.
• Most Michigan trilobites are around one inch long.
• Trilobites are highly prized by fossil collectors.
Cranbrook Institute of Science is at 39221 Woodward Ave., in Bloomfield Hills. For more information visit: science.cranbrook.edu/explore/exhibits/trilobite.
