Fossil crinoids (Ordovician 490 mya)

This fossil plate, originally from Morocco, reveals numerous fragments of crinoids, or "sea lilies," marine animals related to starfish and sea urchins. These organisms populated the Paleozoic seas, attached to the seabed by a long stalk.

Presented on a base with a Deyrolle plaque, this fossil combines evidence of primitive marine life with the tradition of the House's natural history collections.