Description:

Ancient Seas, Morocco, Devonian Period, ca. 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago. A group of 24 fossilized shells from Orthoceras, a prehistoric cephalopod! The white quartzite inclusions are pieces of individual chambers, surrounded by a black-gray matrix. These are fragments of larger horn shaped shells that once protected the soft flesh and tentacles of the Orthoceras. The shells and encasing matrix are given a high polish to better view the fossils. Size of largest: 3" L x 0.75" W (7.6 cm x 1.9 cm)

Prehistoric 'straight' cephalopods include straight ammonoids called orthoceras. Cephalopod evolution began during the Late Cambrian Period. Some of these creatures evolved into semi-coiled forms, eventually giving rise to coiled cephalopods like ammonites and nautili. Straight cephalopods were among the most advanced invertebrates of their time, with eyes, jaws, and a sophisticated nervous system. These creatures were predators that swam freely using a jet propulsion system by squirting water from their bodies. They had tentacles and ink sacs, much like present-day squid. Except for belemnites, cephalopods had external shells with hollow internal 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!

Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Keystone auctions, York, Pennsylvania, USA

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#187904

  • Condition: Cut and polished to a high luster on the convex side. Chips and losses the tips and edges.

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January 17, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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