Ammonoids

Ammonoids are an extinct group of marine mollusks with coiled, segmented shells similar to modern nautiluses. They lived from approximately 400 million to 66 million years ago and thrived in oceans during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. Their shells, often beautifully patterned, provided protection and buoyancy. Ammonoids are important to scientists because their fossils help date and understand prehistoric marine environments. They are considered to be close relatives of modern cephalopods, like octopuses and squids, sharing features like tentacles and advanced eyes. Their diverse and intricate shells also showcase evolutionary innovation over millions of years.