Acanthopleuroceras

Acanthopleuroceras is a genus of ammonite that lived during the Jurassic period. This genus is part of the Hildoceratidae family, which is known for its diverse and abundant species of ammonites. Acanthopleuroceras is characterized by its ribbed, spiral shell and its distinctive spines.

Acanthopleuroceras fossil

Description

The shell of Acanthopleuroceras is typically coiled in a tight spiral, with a series of strong, radial ribs running from the center of the shell to the outer edge. These ribs are often adorned with sharp, forward-facing spines, which give the genus its name - 'Acanthopleuroceras' translates to 'spiny side horn'. The shell is usually small to medium in size, with a diameter ranging from 2 to 15 centimeters.

Distribution and Habitat

Fossils of Acanthopleuroceras have been found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. These fossils are typically found in marine sediments, indicating that Acanthopleuroceras lived in a marine environment. The presence of Acanthopleuroceras fossils can be used to date the rock layers they are found in, as this genus is a good index fossil for the Jurassic period.

Evolution and Extinction

Acanthopleuroceras is believed to have evolved from earlier ammonite genera during the Early Jurassic. The genus thrived for several million years before going extinct at the end of the Jurassic period. The exact cause of its extinction is unknown, but it is likely related to changes in the marine environment and competition with other marine organisms.

See Also

• Ammonite
• Jurassic
• Hildoceratidae
• Index fossil