Jurassic Iridescent Ammonite
Age: 180 / 170 Million Years Old
Jurassic Era
Species: Psiloceras Planorbis
Discovered: Somerset, England
Measures Roughly 7" Wide (Entire Specimen)
Psiloceras planorbis is a species of extinct cephalopod mollusk that lived during the Jurassic period, approximately 200 million years ago. It belongs to the family Psiloceratidae and is characterized by its distinctive coiled shell with a flat spiral that closely resembles a snail shell. Psiloceras planorbis is one of the most common and well-known ammonites found in the Jurassic rocks of Europe, particularly in the Lower Jurassic limestone formations of England and Germany.
The shell of Psiloceras planorbis was typically small, measuring around 2-3 inches in diameter. It had a smooth, shiny surface with fine, closely spaced ribbing that spiraled from the center of the shell to the outer edge. The body of the animal was housed within the shell and consisted of a soft, squid-like mantle that could be retracted into the shell for protection. The animal had a complex system of tentacles and arms for catching prey and a siphon that allowed it to expel water and propel itself through the ocean.
Psiloceras planorbis is an important fossil species because it is a useful marker for identifying and dating Jurassic rock formations. Its abundance and widespread distribution in certain rock layers have allowed geologists and paleontologists to accurately correlate these layers across large areas, helping to build a better understanding of the geological history of the Earth. In addition, the study of Psiloceras planorbis and other ammonites has provided valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of marine life during the Jurassic period.
Despite its importance as a fossil species, little is known about the behavior and ecology of Psiloceras planorbis. It is believed to have been a fast-swimming predator that fed on small fish, crustaceans, and other mollusks. However, the exact details of its behavior and feeding habits remain a subject of speculation and study. In recent years, advances in imaging technology and other techniques have allowed scientists to gain new insights into the internal anatomy and structure of ammonites, offering the potential for new discoveries and a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.
