Ammonites

Ammonites were marine creatures that lived millions of years ago, during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras. They were distant relatives of modern-day octopuses and squids, and their fossilized shells are often found in sedimentary rocks.

Ammonites had coiled shells that were often beautifully patterned. These shells were made of calcium carbonate, just like the shells of snails and clams. The shape and details of their shells can help scientists determine the age of the rock they are found in, making them valuable tools for geologists.

Ammonites were predators, using their tentacles to capture prey such as small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They lived in a variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep oceans.

The ammonites were incredibly successful and diverse creatures, with thousands of different species known. Unfortunately, they went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period, along with the dinosaurs.