Friday, 28 August 1998


These oyster-like clams were common through the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The presence of certain fossil Inoceramus species allows geologists to date specific formations. The entire group went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous, as did the ammonites and the dinosaurs. This specimen from Hornby Island is approximately 67 million years old. It was found a perfect sunny day while collecting with Graham Beard, author of West Coast Fossils and Chair of the Vancouver Island Museum Paleontological Society. Graham has a keen eye and knack for finding the best specimens on the island. Visit his collection at the Qualicum Museum on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is well worth the trip!