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Trilobite Site
The Shoshone-Tecopa area in southeastern California is a significant site for trilobite fossils, dating back over 500 million years to the Cambrian Period. These fossils, primarily found in the Nopah Range, Tecopa Hills, and Ibex Pass, provide valuable insights into early marine life. The region was once a shallow sea, where fine-grained sediments preserved trilobites like Olenellus and Elrathia in limestone and shale.
Fossil collecting is allowed on public lands but restricted in designated wilderness areas. Protecting these sites is crucial for scientific study, as excessive collecting can damage their integrity. The Shoshone Museum helps educate visitors on preservation. These fossil beds illustrate Earth's evolutionary history and environmental changes, offering a rare opportunity to explore the ancient past. The area remains a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and fossil enthusiasts alike.
Nopah Range
Shoshone Museum
