Spiral molluscs, often found as fossils, are known as ammonites. These fascinating creatures were marine animals that lived millions of years ago in the Earth's oceans. Ammonites had a coiled shell with intricate chambers that they used for buoyancy and protection. Their shells often display beautiful patterns and colors, making them highly sought after by fossil collectors and researchers. Ammonites belong to the class Cephalopoda, which also includes modern-day octopuses, squids, and nautiluses. These ancient creatures were predators, using their tentacles to catch prey and their sharp beaks to crush and consume it. Ammonites were a diverse group, with a wide range of sizes and shapes, from small, delicate specimens to large, robust ones. The spiral shape of the ammonite shell is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other molluscs. This shape allowed them to efficiently move through the water and regulate their buoyancy. The intricate patterns on their shells are unique to each species and can provide valuable information about their evolution and ecology. Ammonites went extinct along with the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago. Their fossils are found all over the world, from Europe to North America to Asia, providing important clues about Earth's ancient oceans and the creatures that inhabited them. If you are interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, there are many resources available online. Websites such as [url=https://www.fossilera.com/pages/about-ammonites]FossilEra[/url] and [url=https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/rose-center-for-earth-and-space/david-s.-and-ruth-l.-gottesman-hall-of-planet-earth/squids-nautiloids-and-ammonites]American Museum of Natural History[/url] offer detailed information about the biology, ecology, and evolution of ammonites. You can also visit natural history museums and fossil shops to see ammonite fossils up close and learn more about their significance in Earth's history. In conclusion, spiral molluscs known as ammonites are fascinating creatures that offer valuable insights into the ancient oceans and ecosystems of our planet. Their beautifully preserved fossils continue to capture the imagination of scientists and enthusiasts alike.

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