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Seven holotype fossils discovered in the Dammam Formation.
© National Museum of Qatar
Arabia Separates from Africa (Eocene)
Object Name: Sea Urchin Spines
Period: Arabia Separates from Africa (Eocene)
Date: 55–30 Million Years Ago
Provenance: Gift from Taylor Norman, 2013
Dimensions: 39 mm (H) x 5 mm
Medium: fossil
Registration Number: QNM.2013.88.178
Place Of Discovery/Findspot:  Dammam Formation
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This object is composed of several fossilized echinoderm spines that are believed to have belonged to sea urchins. Sea urchins are marine invertebrates that are identified by their spiny skin, and are classified under the phylum Echinoderm.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT QATAR
During this era, the Arabian Plate began to separate from the African Plate and moved gradually towards the Eurasian Plate.
The Arabian Gulf and the Zagros Mountains formed as a result of the Arabian and Eurasian Plates colliding. Qatar was home to a range of marine species. Fossils of ancient
plants and animals from this time have been discovered,including sea urchins, sharks, sawfish and dugongs.
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Dammam Formation
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Gallery 1