Protocycloceratidae

Protocycloceratidae is a family of ammonites that existed during the Jurassic period. This family is part of the superfamily Haploceratoidea, which is known for its diverse and abundant species. The Protocycloceratidae are characterized by their coiled shells and intricate suture patterns.

Taxonomy

The Protocycloceratidae family belongs to the order Ammonitida, a group of extinct marine mollusc animals in the subclass Ammonoidea of the class Cephalopoda. These creatures are more closely related to living coleoids (i.e., octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish) than they are to shelled nautiloids such as the living Nautilus species.

Morphology

Protocycloceratidae had a shell that was typically coiled, discoidal, and evolute. The shell's whorl section was compressed to depressed, with a sharp venter. The ornamentation consisted of simple, straight radial ribs that crossed the venter without interruption.

Distribution

Fossils of Protocycloceratidae have been found in strata from the Jurassic period (200.0 to 145.0 million years ago). They have been discovered in various locations around the world, including Europe and Asia.

Paleobiology

Like other ammonites, Protocycloceratidae were likely fast-moving nektonic carnivores. They probably fed on small prey, using their tentacles to capture food and bring it to their beak-like jaws.

See also

• Ammonite
• Jurassic
• Haploceratoidea
• Ammonitida
• Ammonoidea
• Cephalopoda
• Nautilus

References

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