The Ammonites-Index Fossils
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The Ammonites - Fascinating Index Fossils
Introduction
Ammonites, recognizable by their spiral shells, have captured human imagination for thousands of years. Their name originates from the Egyptian god Ammon, often depicted with ram's horns, which these fossils resemble. Known as Ammon’s Stones, ammonites have inspired numerous myths and legends across different cultures.
Ammonite Myths
Throughout history, many cultures have attributed special powers to ammonites. In ancient Greece, placing an ammonite under your pillow was believed to cure insomnia and bring pleasant dreams. The Romans took this further, believing a golden (pyritized) ammonite could induce prophetic dreams.
A Brief History of Ammonites
Ammonites first appeared during the Devonian Period. Early species had simple septa resembling the class Orthocerida. Over time, they evolved complex septa with intricate folds known as lobes and saddles, along with delicate lacey shell patterns. These features help classify this group of cephalopods.
Like all living cephalopods?"such as octopuses, squids, and nautiluses?"ammonites were predators. The chambered nautilus, the only living cephalopod with an external shell, offers insight into ammonite behavior. The nautilus uses a siphuncle, a tube connecting its shell chambers, to control buoyancy by adjusting gas levels.
Ammonite Size
Ammonites varied greatly in size. They ranged from under a centimeter to over 2 meters in diameter. Early species, up to the middle Jurassic, were typically smaller, often under 23 centimeters. Larger varieties emerged in the upper Jurassic and lower Cretaceous periods. For example, Titanites in southern England can exceed 50 centimeters in diameter.
Biostratigraphy
The hard shell of the ammonite made it easily fossilized, contributing to its abundance across several geologic periods. This makes ammonites excellent index fossils, crucial for biostratigraphy, the science of determining the age of rock layers. Ammonites meet all the criteria of good index fossils: wide distribution, abundance, rapid evolution, and distinctive features.
Extinction of the Ammonites
The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, around 65 million years ago, marked the end of ammonites, alongside dinosaurs and many other species. This mass extinction is commonly attributed to a massive meteor impact on Earth.
In conclusion, ammonites are more than just fossils. Their rich history and significance in biostratigraphy make them key to understanding Earth's geological past.
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