Fossil Ammonite
Age: 90 / 85 Million Years Old
Late Cretaceous
Species: Eopachydiscus Marcianus Ammonite
Discovered: Mclennan Co, Texas - Georgetown Formation
Measures roguhly 7" (9 1/2" From bottom of stand to top of fossil)
The Eopachydiscus marcianus ammonite is a fascinating prehistoric creature that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 65 million years ago. Belonging to the family of ammonites, which are extinct marine mollusks, the Eopachydiscus marcianus is known for its distinctive spiral-shaped shell and intricate patterns.
The shell of the Eopachydiscus marcianus is characterized by its large size, reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in diameter. Its spiral shape consists of a series of chambers that the ammonite used to control its buoyancy. As the ammonite grew, it would add new chambers to the shell, with the older ones becoming progressively smaller. This shell structure not only provided protection but also allowed the Eopachydiscus marcianus to control its depth in the water column.
One of the most striking features of the Eopachydiscus marcianus is its intricate shell ornamentation. The surface of its shell is adorned with intricate patterns, including ribs, nodes, and ridges. These patterns not only enhanced the strength of the shell but also played a role in its camouflage, helping the ammonite blend into its surroundings and evade predators.
The Eopachydiscus marcianus ammonite lived in a marine environment, inhabiting shallow seas that covered parts of what is now Europe and North America. It was an active predator, feeding on small marine organisms and likely using its sharp beak to capture and consume its prey. Like other ammonites, it had tentacles with which it sensed its environment and detected food.
The extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period also led to the demise of the Eopachydiscus marcianus and other ammonite species. However, their fossilized remains provide valuable insights into the ancient marine ecosystems and help scientists understand the evolution and diversity of life on Earth millions of years ago.
