Discovering the Incredible World of Ammonites
Ammonites are not just fossils; they are breathtaking snapshots of life millions of years ago! These remarkable creatures thrived in ancient seas, showcasing the incredible diversity of life that once existed on our planet.
Often referred to by their colloquial name, ammonites are members of the ammonoid family, which emerged during the Devonian period, roughly 416 million years ago. They are fascinating relatives of modern cephalopods like squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish, and they share an evolutionary lineage with today's nautilus.
What’s truly captivating is that ammonite fossils have been found all around the globe, frequently in large groups. This abundance provides paleontologists with invaluable insights into the rich tapestry of life during the Jurassic period. Not only do ammonite fossils offer a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems of the past, but they also illustrate how our understanding of fossil discovery and classification has evolved over the ages.
The Astonishing Size of Ammonites
One of the most intriguing aspects of ammonites is their incredible size variation! These ancient wonders could range from a mere few millimeters to several meters in diameter.
The larger species emerged prominently during the Late Jurassic period, capturing our imagination with their grandeur. Take, for instance, Parapuzosia seppenradensis, recognized as the largest ammonite from the Late Cretaceous period. It’s a tongue-twister of a name for a reason!
The largest fossil discovered measures an impressive 1.8 meters, but it was incomplete. Imagine how colossal it could have been if fully intact—potentially reaching between 2.5 and 3.5 meters in diameter! That’s not just big; that’s extraordinary!
The Extinction of Ammonites: A Cautionary Tale
The asteroid impact that marked the end of the Cretaceous period was a catastrophic event with devastating consequences for life on Earth.
While ammonites experienced the immediate destruction, it was the aftermath that sealed their fate. The harsh winter that followed stifled sunlight, completely disrupting photosynthesis and obliterating food sources both on land and in the oceans. This critical loss meant starvation loomed for ammonites and countless other organisms, leading to their eventual extinction.
The story of ammonites serves as a powerful reminder of nature's interconnectedness and resilience. It teaches us that the impacts of our environment can have far-reaching consequences, urging us to appreciate and protect the delicate balance of life that continues to thrive today. Embracing this understanding can inspire us to make choices that nurture our planet for future generations.
Did you know?
- Ammonites lived during the periods of Earth history known as the Jurassic and Cretaceous.
- The Jurassic Period began about 201 million years ago, and the Cretaceous ended about 66 million years ago. The ammonites existed around the same time that dinosaurs walked the Earth.
- The best place to find ammonite fossils in the UK is along the Jurassic coastline, in particular Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Ammonite shells are often used as index fossils, meaning they can help date other fossils that are found in the same layer of marine rock.
This beautiful silver ammonite pendant is part of the oceans jewellery collection and is also available in yellow gold vermeil.
Ammonites evolved around 416 million years ago and were found with abundance during the pre-historic era. Ammonites are the most commonly found fossils and palaeologists often use these ammonite fossils as a way of dating other rarer fossils found in the same sedimentary layer.
Ammonites are popular in jewellery due to their pleasing spiral shapes and intriguing links to evolution and natural history. Their geometric symmetry, also known as ‘the golden ratio’, has inspired artists, musicians, architects and designers for generations. Ammonite shells, with their continuous spiralling shapes are incredibility pleasing to look and have been worn as talismans for centuries.
This modern silver interpretation of an ammonite is perfectly designed for everyday wear. Ammonites as talismans Ammonites are beloved for the natural harmony of their shape, its spiral symbolising harmony as it is believed the that the ammonites nautical shape filters negativity through its internal chambers and brings balance and harmony to its wearer.