During their heyday, there were some 17,000 species of trilobite and as a result of their proliferation, the fossil record is replete with evidence of their existence. These tantalizing glimpse at pre-pre-historic creepy-crawlies left the soft-hearted Dr. Allan Drummond longing to appreciate them in all of their glory, complete with legs, antennae, and gills. Luckily, Dr. Drummond is a responsible biochemistry and human genetics researcher and not some mad scientist with an odd affinity for Frankenstein-esque reanimation of dead tissue. Rather than attempting to harness the power of lightning to bring these creatures back to life (and most likely make them part of his plans to take over the world), he decided on the much more practical route of creating models of them via 3D printing.
“The first step was to look at as many trilobites as possible and choose one. I’ve always loved these fossils, but the moment they turned from fossils into living organisms for me was when I saw the new generation of preparations displayed at Chicago’s Field Museum. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. In my mind, trilobites were flat, if beautiful, prmitive creatures. Seeing those preparations made it clear how not-flat and not-primitve they were.”
“Ceraurus is idea. They have long yet substantial genal [head segment] and pygidial [tail segment] spines, complex thoracic armor, gorgeous curves, unmistakable trilobite form. Enough detail to warrant 3D printing, enough structural solidity to survive it.”
The finished pieces are quite lovely and, dare I say it, kind of lovable. The 3D printed shell is even available via Shapeways. It’s hard not to share Drummond’s enthusiasm:
“I’m very happy with how it turned out. When you hold [the model] in your hand, it practically squirms. You can imagine her exploring her world, questing with her antennae, seeking prey and potential mates.”
Maybe that actually could be the pilot episode for a new Saturday morning cartoon character: Trudy the Trilobite. Discuss this story in the 3D Printed Trilobite forum on 3DPB.com.
[Source: Nerdist]