Hobbies And Interests
Sharks
Several different types of shark teeth have been found in North Texas. The shark teeth date back to the final 20 million years of the Carboniferous period, which ended approximately 300 million years ago. Teeth from the following sharks have been discovered: Symmorium shark, Squalicorax falcatus, Petrodus and Deltodus. Shark centrum -- the center of the animal's vertebrae -- have also been found. Centrum reveal rings that, as with trees, can be counted to calculate age.
Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs once roamed over North Texas and many footprints and tracks have been uncovered in the rocks. Besides these footprints, the vertebrae of an ichthyosaur has been found.
Sea Urchins
Several different sea urchin fossils have been found in the area of North Texas. These urchins include the normal round urchins and heart urchins. Specific sea urchins species include the Goniophorus, Lefortia and Salenia volana.
Clams
There are also many clam fossils to be found, along with those of scallops and oysters. In particular, shoe clams and deer heart clams are abundant. Ilymatogyra arientina have also been discovered. Other types of clams and oysters include the Texigryphea, Lima waconensis and Neithea.
Other Fossils
Other fossils found in North Texas include snails, serpulid worm tubes and ammonites. Ammonite shells form a spiral helix and are closely associated with specific geological time periods, so their discovery helps date other fossils found in nearby rock formations.