The Crinoid Review

How the review works

The aim of the review is to establish material that is of scientific merit and specimens which are good representatives, possessing public potential for display and community events. These two criteria do not necessarily go hand in hand; as a specimen may have a fantastic scientific research potential, but may not be visually impressive. Therefore the specimens are graded against two separate criteria: Scientific Merit (as a numerical value of stars) and Public Engagement (as a Gold, Silver or Bronze status).

For a more in depth look into the review criteria, click on the “Review Criteria” tab in the tool bar above.

 

The Crinoid review

Fiona referencing a crinoidal slab.

 

The Crinoid collection consists of 13 trays. It was decided that the amount of material would suit the review being conducted as a detailed, systematic, tray by tray investigation, rather than an initial overview of the entire collection, followed by an in depth look at a compiled shortlist.

 

 

Day One.

Dr Fiona Fearnhead led the review with some very obvious and truly spectacular specimens jumping out from the start.

Leedm.B.2009.065.1

The scientific highlight is the historically important holotype of Platycrinites selwoodensis (2 Gold stars – Leedm.B.2009.065.1) and a Dialutocrinus triacondylactilus (1 Gold star – Leedm.B.2009.065.2) both specimens are from Frome in Somerset, UK.

Leedm.B.2009.065.2

Fiona taking a quick picture of a star specimen.

 

In addition to these specimens, the collection contains some important Ludlow and Wren’s Nest UK SSSI material, with some specimens from historically important collectors; notably associations with Etheldred Benett and the Leeds collector Benjamin Holgate.

 

 

 

The systematic review highlighted a lot of material as having wonderful potential for public engagement with limited scientific merit, notably a Pentacrinus fossilis  (0 Gold stars – Leedm.B.2010.127) exhibiting beautifully preserved brachials, pinnules and cirris.

Leedm.B.2010.127

In addition, a Periechocrinties mammiliformis  (1 Gold star – Leedm.B.1990.01.4076) exhibiting three calcified zenomorphic stems, illustrating the columnal transition from base to cup. There is also a good example of a Platycrinites sp. (1 Bronze star – Leedm.B.TN5184) being a mass of crinoidal columnars and ossicles on a limestone matrix.

Leedm.B.1990.01.4076

Leedm.B.TN5184

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some interesting material with research potential was discovered, specimens of note are Periechorinus sp. (2 Gold stars – Leedm.B.TN4694) from the Wren’s Nest SSSI site, exhibiting a fine calyx structure and articulated brachials.

Leedm.B.TN4694

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leedm.B.TN1154

 

 

 

 

Along with a Periechocrinus moliliformis                     (1 Silver star – Leedm.B.TN1154), featuring crinoidal material on both surfaces of the Wenlock limestone.

 

Day Two.

The review resumed with some amazing and somewhat surprising discoveries, notably an uncommon holdfast from a Woodocrinus sp. (2 Silver stars – Leedm.B.TN5536), these are often overlook when collecting, and can be a rarity in museum collections. There was also the discovery of numerous Apiocrinus sp. ossicles and complete calyces from the Jurassic, Bradford clay. One of note is the Apiocrinus parkinsoni (0 Bronze stars – Leedm.B.TN1160).

Leedm.B.TN5536

Leedm.B.TN1160

Leedm.B.TN168

 

 

Three other unidentified crinoids specimens of note are: a mass of crinoidal material on a limestone matrix (0 Silver stars – Leedm.B.TN168); a fine plated calyx with articulated delicate brachials and pinnules (2 Silver stars – Leedm.B.TN1148); and a wonderful example, exhibiting fine anatomical details of a proximal columnar (1 Silver star – Leedm.B.TN1161).

Leedm.B.TN1148

Leedm.B.TN1161

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two specimens worthy of a mention but not photographed here are: (1 Clear star – Leedm.B.TN1347) an unidentified crinoid that exhibits a physical response to environmental or parasitic stresses; and a wonderful specimen of Periechocrinites  moniliformis (3 Gold stars – Leedm.B.2008.00.006) from the Wren’s Nest SSSI, which is on display in the Life on Earth Gallery at Leeds City Museum.

 

The review was finally capped off with Fiona enlightening me to the absolutely incredible footage of a crawling extant crinoid… Amazing!

http://palaeo-electronica.org/2007_1/crinoid/fig3.htm

 

The review covered 178 crinoid specimens, establishing the following summary.

 

Gold = A truly amazing specimen; Silver = A very good specimen that has great potential; Bronze = A good specimen which can demonstrate a particular feature; Clear = A specimen that has limited visual qualities.

3 stars = High scientific importance. 2 stars = Moderate scientific importance. 1 star = Fair scientific importance. 0 stars = Limited or no scientific importance.

 

Summary of the Crinoid collection.

Strengths

The collection contains some research possibilities, and has broad examples from a periodic breadth, with many facets of columnals that could warrant future research into stems, with the Silurian material being from key localities of historical significance. There are numerous Apinocrinites specimens which can illustrate calyx and stem articulation within the group, using individual sections, ossicles and cross sections. The abundance of Carboniferous material can easily illustrate size changes and morphology adaptations.

 

Weaknesses

Sadly the loss of data on some prime specimens diminishes research value, and the unfortunate pyrite decay of a large Lyme Regis specimen.

 

To close, I would like to say a huge “thank you” to Fiona for reviewing this material and the laughs along the way.

 

The Crinoids, along with all the other collections are open and free for anyone to view by appointment, just call Leeds Discovery Centre on 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk

The Arthropod Review

How the review works

The aim of the review is to establish material that is of scientific merit and specimens which are good aesthetic representatives, possessing public potential for display and community events. These two criteria do not necessarily go hand in hand; as a specimen may have a fantastic scientific research potential, but may not be visually impressive. Therefore the specimens are graded against two separate criteria: Scientific Merit (as a numerical value of stars) and Public Engagement (as a Gold, Silver or Bronze status).

For a more in depth look into the review criteria, click on the “Review Criteria” tab in the tool bar above.

 

The Trilobite review

Joe investigating a trilobite tray

 

The Arthropod collection consists of 14 trays made up of 9 Trilobites and 5 other Arthropoda (fossil Crustaceans, Insects and a Sea Scorpion cast). It was decided that the amount of material would suit the review being conducted as a detailed, systematic, tray by tray investigation, rather than an initial overview of the entire collection, followed by an in depth look at a compiled shortlist.

 

Day One.

Leedm.B.TN5840

Dr Joseph Botting led the review, which resulted in some specimens making an impact at the outset. The collection contains some important SSSI material from the Burgess Shale and Wenlock limestone     (2 Gold stars – Leedm.B.TN5840).

 

Leedm.B.1876.5.2

The scientific highlights are the historically important Bohemian specimens, donated to the museum in 1876 by Dr Antonin Frič, the director of the National Museum Prague. One of these specimens, Miraspis mira      (2 Silver stars – Leedm.B.1876.5.2) is quite rare, with distinct spines on the pygidium. The function of these spines is uncertain; but Joe suggested they are likely to be a camouflage feature rather than a defensive structure.

 

Leedm.B.TN4896

As the review progressed it became apparent that some material has wonderful potential for public engagement. Notably a common specimen Encrinurus punctatus  (0 Silver stars – Leedm.B.TN4896), exhibiting interesting lumps on the glabella, which maybe a function of camouflage.

 

Unfortunately much of this material has little scientific merit, with two wonderful but very common Dalmanites myops specimens (0 Silver stars – Leedm.B.TN4907) and (0 Gold stars – Leedm.B.TN4899); both are fine examples of schizochroal – compound eyes structures.  

Leedm.B.TN4907

Leedm.B.TN4899

 

Some rarer and slightly trickier to find material was discovered in the form of Peronopsis interstricta (2 Gold stars – Leedm.B.TN2015), a planktonic filter feeder from Utah.

Leedm.B.TN2015

Joe with his trusty hand lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Two.

The review resumed and revealed some surprising discoveries, notably a Calymene blumenbachi specimen with damaged ribs       (2 Gold stars – Leedm.B.TN5586).

 

Leedm.B.TN5586

On closer inspection it was interpreted as predatory damage from a Sea Scorpion’s pincer. The specimen is the actual trilobite and not a moult, which therefore implies that the trilobite must have survived the initial attack but died within one moult cycle.

Two other Silurian specimens of note are a wonderful example of a Bumastus barriensis (1 Bronze star – Leedm.B.2010.72) an infaunal ambush predator, and another lovely example of Calymene blumenbachi (1 Silver star – Leedm.B.TN5836) exhibiting granular ornamentation on the cephalon.

Leedm.B.2010.72

Leedm.B.TN5836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The review covered 204 trilobite specimens, establishing the following summary.

Gold = A truly amazing specimen; Silver = A very good specimen that has great potential; Bronze = A good specimen which can demonstrate a particular feature; Clear = A specimen that has limited visual impact.

Joe referencing a tricky specimen.

3 stars = High scientific importance.

2 stars = Moderate scientific importance.

1 star = Fair scientific importance.

0 stars = No or limited scientific importance.

 

With the Trilobite review completed, Joe kindly suggested to review the remaining arthropods; with some wonderful results that would have gone undiscovered.

 

 

Review of additional Arthropod material

The highlights of this additional review include a wonderful horseshoe crab Mesolimulus walchi (2 Gold stars – Leedm.B.2010.186) from the Solnhofen limestone.

Leedm.B.2010.186

Leedm.B.2003.01.01

 

 

An additional specimen of Bellinurus trilobitoides (1 Silver star – Leedm.B.2003.01.01) found locally in Leeds.

 

 

Leedm.B.TN4865

 

Similar to the trilobites, the bulk of the collection is of a limited scientific merit, but contains some wonderful material for public engagement, notably a Hoploparia sp.  (1 Silver star – Leedm.B.TN4865).

 

In addition, a wonderful beetle specimen, Cybister explanatus from the La Brea Tar Pits. And last but not least, an interesting and scientifically important bedding plane of crustaceans; exhibiting exceptional soft body preservation from a potential and undescribed Silurian lagerstätten in the UK, both not photographed here.

 

The additional review of arthropod material covered 85 specimens, establishing the following summary.

 

Summary of the Trilobite collection.

The collection contains wide ranging material with a lot of fine specimens, but unfortunately lack scientific importance. The collection has not been acquired systematically with donors providing unusual material, with no focus on trilobite sourcing. There is a number of research grade Carboniferous material, featuring a wide range of named species from Malham Tarn and Doncaster.

 

Strengths

Strong representations of the following groups:

Phacopida group – illustrating eye morphology, life habits and enrolment.

Asaphida group – exhibiting microevolution with species level taxonomy of Trinuclid evolution.

Proetida group – as a conservative group.

Specimens occur as moults and/or complete specimens with compressional and three-dimensional preservation.

The Bohemian material extends the fauna of the collection and adds an impressive element, making these the highlight of the collection along with other non UK specimens from France, Morocco and Utah.

 

Weaknesses

There are limited specimens from the Lichida, Agnostida and Harpetida groups and no examples from the Eodiscida and Raphophoridae groups.

The Proetida are local Carboniferous, and there are very few specimens from the Scottish side of the Iapetus.

 

Finally, I would like to thank Joe for this review and all he’s done. It was great fun and a wonderful two days.

The Arthropods, along with all the other collections are open and free for anyone to view by appointment, just call Leeds Discovery Centre on 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk

The Rock Type Collection

The rock type or petrology collection consists of 190 trays of 4,500 specimens featuring Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary rocks from the UK, around the world and beyond….

 

A large slab of Wenlock limestone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bulk of the collection is sedimentary, represented by numerous sandstone, limestone and mudstone specimens, also containing some stunning examples of siltstone, dolostone, marl and chalk.

 

We also have a strong representation of igneous petrology predominantly consisting of basalt, gabbro, diortie and granite specimens; with additional examples of peridoite, picrite, syenite and trachyte, and stunning specimens of pegmatite.

There are also some wonderful examples of andesite and rhyloite with amazing obsidian glass, pitchstone and snowflake obsidian specimens. Not to mention volcanic pumice and beautiful banded tuff.

 

A great example of a metamorphic schist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The metamorphic petrology features some wonderful slate, schist, amphibolite and gniess specimens; with some truly spectacular phllite, quartzite and marble.

A wonderful specimen of puckered slate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The collection also contains some weird and wonderful geological features, notably the incredible cone-in-cone formation, septarian nodules and preserved ripple beds.

A specimen of cone-in-cone geological feature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the material really is “out of this world” with a few examples of meteorites and the products of a meteor impact tektites. The strangest of all, is a small unassuming specimen of fused sand, the preserved moment in time of a lightning strike.

The Fossil Collection

The fossils make up the majority of the collection and also date back to the founding of Leeds Museum in the 1820’s, encompassing the collections of numerous individuals, notably: Cyril P. Castell, Etheldred Bennett, J.V. Stevens and the recently acquired Leeds collector Earnest E. Gregory.

The result is a vast collection of over 530 trays with approximately 16,000 specimens, covering a vast range of fauna and flora from the local region, the UK, and many sites from around the world.

Mariopteris muricata, one of the many wonderful fossil plant specimens.

 

We have a substantial fossil plant collection of 3,500 specimens from the Carboniferous and Jurassic, which have been extensively studied  and cited.

 

 

 

 

A modest collection of over 1,700 Ammonites and Belemnites, 1,200 Brachiopods, and over 2,000 Bivalves from the local region and further afield. Some impressive wonders of the archives are full skeletons of marine reptiles and Iguanodon bones collected by Edwin Austin.

 

Two large dinosaur coprolites from Utah, USA.

 

A dinosaur egg, dinosaur dung from Utah, and large slabs of ripple beds with the preserved archosaur footprints.

 

 

 

Plus a large collection of fossil fish, sharks teeth and vertebrae, including a three dimensionally preserved Coelacanth, Megalichthys and teeth from the ferocious Megalodon shark.

 

The collection also contains material from numerous cave deposits, notably: Kents Cavern, Raygill Fissure, Windy Knoll, Dawker Bottom, Victoria Cave and Wookey Hole.  Featuring numerous mammal skeletal material including a type specimen skull of the extinct Ursus arctos cave bear .

Skull of the extinct Ursus arctos.

 

This wealth of fossil material will soon undergo intense scrutiny when the Geoblitz reviews commence in a few weeks time.

The Mineral Collection

The mineral collection dates back to the 1820’s with specimens being donated by the members of the Museums founding Philosophical and Literature Society, as well as generous donations by individuals and collectors associated with the Society. The collection encompasses the notable: Sir Alexander Crichton mineral collection and the Ullyett & Wright collections to name a few.

 

The result is a substantial collection of 230 trays with approximately 6,600 specimens, too many to list individual specimens or sub-groups; but as an overview, there is a good representation of the following main groups:

Native metals and non-metals, Sulphides, Oxides, Hydroxides, Fluorides, Halides, Carbonates, Nitrates, Borates, Sulphates, Chromates, Phosphates, Silicates and Ore forming minerals.

Quartz Chalcedony

 

 

 

A wonderful example of Quartz Chalcedony and deatiled below.

 

 

Chalcedony detail

Within the collection there are some striking and unsusual specimens that reflect the local region and beyond; with numerous Tektites, Meteorites and a replica of the “Hope diamond“.

Large sheet of Biotite

The collection will be fully investigated as part of the “Geoblitz” project in the near future and hopefully some undiscovered star specimens will emerge.