Ammonites – extinct marine molluscs – flourished in Earth’s oceans until they were wiped out by an asteroid, along with three-quarters of species at the time, around 65 million years ago.
You may be familiar with the ammonite’s snail-like fossilised shell, but as curator of the American Museum of Natural History Neil Landman explains in the video below, there were at least 30 different ammonite shapes – from the paper-clip-like hamiticones to the twisty-turny nipponites and everything in between.
Originally published by Cosmos as Amazing ammonite architecture
Cosmos reporter
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
