EXTRA LARGE BEAUTIFUL BROWN DINOSAUR-ERA PROCHELONICERAS AMMONITE - Agadir, Morocco

CRETACEOUS PERIOD:   65 million years ago

This impressively large Procheloniceras ammonite is an excellent example of this species from the coastal deposits of Agadir, Morocco.  The wonderful chamber detail is evident on the untouched reverse side as well, separating this GENUINE fossil from the huge abundance of completely carved fakes that dominate the market for "bargain" prices.  Enhanced color has been sealed to ensure best preservation.  This giant specimen would be perfect to display in a home or office.  This genuine ammonite fossil is a wonderful representation of ancient marine life that existed when dinosaurs roamed the earth. 

With their three dimensional form and texture, these ammonite specimens are stunning when displayed.  They are not only desired by collectors, but treasured by interior designers and architects alike, for incorporating into stunning displays.  Wonderfully detailed!  An exquisite specimen for such a rare size and an absolute "show-stopper"!

Ammonites are extinct members of the Cephalopod class.  Modern members include nautilus, squid and octopus.  They first appeared during the Silurian Period (435 million to 410 million years ago) and were abundant and widespread in the seas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (175 million to 65 million years ago).  Ammonites are important index fossils—that is, they often link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods.

Ammonites varied greatly in size.  The largest known as small as 2 cm (0.75 in) in diameter.  During the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, ammonites evolved more streamlined shells for swimming and the structure of the shell became stronger.  Different shell shapes emerged as well, such as snail-like or uncoiled.   

The shells of ammonites had hollow chambers separated by walls called septa.  A tube called the siphuncle, connected the body with the chambers allowing the animal to fill them with water or air, changing its buoyancy in order to rise or drop in the ocean.  Only the last and largest chamber was occupied by the living animal.  

Ammonites probably lived for one to six years, with the majority living two to four years.  They fed on plankton (tiny free-floating organisms), sea lilies, and smaller orthoceras.  Although many fed off the ocean floor, others may have caught plankton while floating or swimming via jet propulsion, expelling water through a funnel-like opening to propel themselves in the opposite direction.

Because ammonites lived exclusively in marine environments, their presence also indicates the location of prehistoric seas.

AN EXCEPTIONALLY NICE GENUINE FOSSIL AMMONITE FOR INTERIOR DESIGN!!!

10.75" wide x 8.75" high

SOLD     AM11-009     INCLUDES STAND     Actual Item - One Only

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