87 - Ceratite

Hello friends, Welcome to the  Fossil   Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur.

I am Ceratite, belonging  to the phylum Mollusca and the kingdom Animalia. My kind is known for our distinctive spiral-shaped shells, which bear intricate ridges and grooves along their surface. Our shells typically have a wide opening, or aperture, which allows us to regulate our buoyancy and movement in ancient seas. One of the most striking characteristics of Ceratites fossils is our intricate suture patterns. These patterns are the lines where the internal chambers of our shell connect, and they can vary greatly in complexity. Some species exhibit simple, smooth sutures, while others boast elaborate, serrated patterns that resemble delicate lacework. Our shells are often adorned with ornate spines or nodes, adding to our unique appearance. These features likely served a variety of functions, from defense against predators to enhancing our ability to navigate the waters . Ceratites fossils are primarily found in marine deposits, particularly in sedimentary rocks formed from ancient seas. We inhabited shallow coastal waters, where we lived along  diverse marine life forms during the Triassic period. Our fossils have been discovered on every continent, providing valuable insights into the biodiversity and geological history of our planet during this era. The age of Ceratites fossils dates back to the Triassic period, which occurred approximately 250 to 200 million years ago. This makes me  the earliest known member of the Mollusca phylum.

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