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5.6" Ammonite (Dactylioceras) Fossil Cluster - England
This is a classic British ammonite cluster of the species Dactylioceras commune. These well preserved ammonites are Jurassic in age and are found in hard concretions that must be split open to reveal the fossils. One edge of one of the ammonites shows a metallic luster due to partial pyrite replacement. The hard rock then has to be removed mechanically to further expose the fossils.
It comes with an acrylic display stand.
It comes with an acrylic display stand.
About Ammonites
Ammonites were ancient marine cephalopods, similar to today's squids and octopuses, but with a defining feature: their distinctive, tightly coiled spiral shells. These shells, resembling those of modern nautiluses, served as both a protective home and a buoyancy aid, allowing ammonites to navigate the prehistoric seas with ease. First emerging around 240 million years ago in the Triassic Period, ammonites thrived for over 175 million years, adapting through numerous forms and sizes. As predatory creatures, they likely fed on smaller marine organisms, using their tentacles to capture prey. However, their long reign came to an end 65 million years ago at the close of the Cretaceous, coinciding with the mass extinction event that also eliminated the dinosaurs.
Ammonites were ancient marine cephalopods, similar to today's squids and octopuses, but with a defining feature: their distinctive, tightly coiled spiral shells. These shells, resembling those of modern nautiluses, served as both a protective home and a buoyancy aid, allowing ammonites to navigate the prehistoric seas with ease. First emerging around 240 million years ago in the Triassic Period, ammonites thrived for over 175 million years, adapting through numerous forms and sizes. As predatory creatures, they likely fed on smaller marine organisms, using their tentacles to capture prey. However, their long reign came to an end 65 million years ago at the close of the Cretaceous, coinciding with the mass extinction event that also eliminated the dinosaurs.
SPECIES
Dactylioceras athleticum
LOCATION
Kettleness, Nr. Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
FORMATION
Upper Lias - Semicelatum Subzone
SIZE
Entire specimen: 5.6 x 4.7", Largest ammonite: 2.9" across
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#243496
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