Chapter 1: Geological History of Shells

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Shell Evolution

Cambrian Period (542-485 MYA)

First appearance of major shell-bearing organisms

Ordovician Period (485-444 MYA)

Rapid diversification of mollusks and shell structures

Devonian Period (419-359 MYA)

Evolution of advanced shell formations and patterns

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Fossil Records

Northern Atolls

Well-preserved gastropod fossils dating back 150,000 years

Central Maldives

Extensive bivalve fossil beds from the Pleistocene epoch

Southern Reef Formations

Rare prehistoric shell specimens in limestone deposits

Geological Periods

Pleistocene

2.58 MYA - 11,700 years ago

Major shell species diversification

Holocene

11,700 years ago - present

Modern shell species development

Anthropocene

Present day

Human impact on shell evolution

Research Citations

Ibrahim, M. & Ali, S. (2023)

Maldivian Shell Evolution Through Time

Comprehensive study of shell fossil records in the Maldives

Hassan, F. et al. (2022)

Geological History of Marine Gastropods

Analysis of prehistoric shell formation patterns

Ahmed, R. (2024)

Modern Shell Conservation Biology

Current research on shell species preservation

Made by Aaiz Mohamed Naeem