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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Wyoming Geological Association

Abstract


Topics in Wyoming Geology: Wyoming Geological Association Guidebook, 2008
Pages 187-196

Investigations and documentation of rare and well preserved invertebrate fossils from the Sundance Formation (Late Jurassic) of Central Wyoming

Brandy Talbot, Melissa V. Connely

Abstract

In the summer of 2005, Chris Mullen of Casper Wyoming discovered a rare and well preserved fossil presumably of the genus Eokainaster The Jurassic sea star locality is in the Sundance Formation on public and private ranch lands near Kaycee, WY. The Holotype specimen of Eokainaster, SUI 2149, is a part of the Iowa State University collection. Other hypotype specimens are curated by the University of Wyoming. Closer investigation of these representatives revealed that they are highly weathered and as a result are in poor condition. In comparison the Kaycee specimen is in excellent condition and appears to be the specimen with the highest quality of preservation. Due to this specimen’s rarity and quality a geologic field trip was organized to further examine the locality, during which a high concentration of invertebrates and vertebrate fossils was noted. Vertebrates found include ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. Invertebrates include urchin spines and plates, nearly complete crinoids, bivalves, scaphopods, and cephalopods; which collectively provide a diverse collection of Jurassic fossils that can be used to better define the paleoecology of the Sundance Sea.


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