What is heteromorph ammonites?

Heteromorph ammonites are a group of extinct cephalopods characterized by their asymmetrical or irregular spiral shells. Unlike the majority of ammonites, which have symmetrical shells coiled in a logarithmic spiral pattern, heteromorphs have wild, curved or elongated shells. This was an adaptation that likely evolved to optimize buoyancy control within the water column, as well as to escape predation.

Heteromorph ammonites first appeared in the Late Jurassic and persisted until the end of the Cretaceous period, 80 million years ago, when they became extinct along with the dinosaurs. They were an extremely diverse group, with over 150 different genera. Some of the most distinctive heteromorph ammonites include Ancyloceras, Baculites, and Scaphites.

Heteromorph ammonites are of great interest to paleontologists and have been the subject of extensive study. These fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of cephalopods and marine ecosystems during the Mesozoic era, as well as the environmental conditions that prevailed at that time.