AMMONOID Meaning and
Definition
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Ammonoid is a term referring to a diverse group of extinct marine mollusks that belong to the class Cephalopoda, subclass Ammonoidea. These organisms existed from the Devonian period until the end of the Cretaceous period, and are characterized by their spiral-shaped, coiled shells.
The shells of ammonoids are usually divided into chambers separated by curved walls, known as septa. These septa are connected through a hollow tube-like structure called a siphuncle, which extended from the animal's body into the shell. The animal occupied the outermost chamber of the shell, while the other chambers served as buoyancy control and provided protection. Ammonoid shells exhibited a wide range of sizes, shapes, and ornamentation that often served as important tools for classification and stratigraphy.
Ammonoids were highly successful and diverse organisms, inhabiting a variety of marine environments worldwide. They were a crucial part of the marine ecosystem, occupying various ecological niches as predators, scavengers, or filter feeders. Their fossils provide valuable information about ancient marine ecosystems, as well as aiding in the dating and correlation of sedimentary rocks.
Although ammonoids became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, their close relatives include the modern-day Nautilus and squids. Ammonoids have left an enduring legacy in the fossil record, with their shells being highly valued by collectors and scientists alike for their intricate beauty and scientific importance.
Common Misspellings for AMMONOID
Etymology of AMMONOID
The word "ammonoid" is derived from the Greek word "ammonis" or "ammonis cornu", which translates to "horn of Ammon". Ammon refers to the ancient Egyptian god Amun or Ammon, who was often depicted wearing ram horns. The fossils of ammonoids, extinct marine mollusks similar to modern-day nautilus, often possess a spiral shape resembling ram horns, hence the name "ammonoids". The term "ammonoid" was first coined by the French scientist Jean Guillaume Bruguière in 1791.
Similar spelling words for AMMONOID
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