Unveiling the Fossilized Secrets of Ammonites

Ammonites are an extinct type of cephalopod, a group that includes squid, octopus, and nautiluses. They lived during the Mesozoic Era, from about 240 to 65 million years ago, and were characterized by their coiled shells. The name "ammonite" comes from the shape of the fossilized shells, which resembled ram's horns.
Ammonites were a diverse group of animals, with many different species ranging in size from just a few centimeters to over a meter in length. They were likely pelagic, living in the open ocean rather than in coastal waters. Some species had long tentacles and may have been active predators, while others were probably filter feeders or scavengers.
Ammonites are known for their beautifully preserved fossils, which can be found in many parts of the world. The fossils are often found in sedimentary rocks, such as shales and limestones, and can provide valuable information about the geology and paleontology of the area.
The extinction of ammonites is thought to have been caused by a combination of factors, including changes in ocean currents and temperature, and competition with other marine animals. The last species of ammonites went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, about 65 million years ago, during the mass extinction event that also wiped out the dinosaurs.