Primary modeling of the internal structure of trilobite eye ommatidia

Authors

  • Ricardo Lara Cañaberas Departamento. de Paleontología. Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid
  • Fernando Agustín Arroyo Rey Departamento. de Paleontología. Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid
  • Angélica Torices Hernández Departamento. de Paleontología. Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas. Universidad Complutense de Madrid
  • Margarito Mora Nuñez Centro de Estudios en Zoología, Universidad de Guadalajara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32870/dugesiana.v11i2.3804

Keywords:

trilobite, eyes, refraction index, optical parameters, paleoenviromental inferences

Abstract

This work shows a physical approach to the visual structure that trilobites had. Typical composed arthropod eyes are a characteristic of trilobites whose studies have been focused more a biological than in a functional way. The conservation of the visual apparatus (eye) in trilobites is rare and that has been dulled this type of analysis. Due to this, the empirical way has been taken, using the optical physics as main instrument to make the presentwork. We propose the idea that a calcitic lens was part of the eyes of trilobites, and suggest how this lens with the rest of the optical system can distribute the light rays to make possible the vision in these organisms. From the visual system (understood like as an assemblage of lenses, its number and its structure) we will be able to have information on the paleoenviroment in which the studied fossils existed. In addition thepaleoecological importance of the eyes of trilobites will be shown, and using data such as the external curvature of the lens we will be to inter to know the environmentaltemperature

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Published

2015-09-15

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2004): Diciembre 2004

Section

Artículos

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