Ammonoid Paleobiology: From anatomy to ecology (Topics in Geobiology Book 43)

This two-volume work is a testament to the abiding interest and human fascination with ammonites. We offer a new model to explain the morphogenesis of septa and the shell, we explore their habitats by the content of stable isotopes in their shells, we discuss the origin and later evolution of this important clade, and we deliver hypotheses on its demise. The Ammonoidea produced a great number of species that can be used in biostratigraphy and possibly, this is the macrofossil group, which has been used the most for that purpose. Nevertheless, many aspects of their anatomy, mode of life, development or paleobiogeographic distribution are still poorly known. Themes treated are biostratigraphy, paleoecology, paleoenvironment, paleobiogeography, evolution, phylogeny, and ontogeny. Advances such as an explosion of new information about ammonites, new technologies such as isotopic analysis, tomography and virtual paleontology in general, as well as continuous discovery of new fossil finds have given us the opportunity to present a comprehensive and timely "state of the art" compilation. Moreover, it also points the way for future studies to further enhance our understanding of this endlessly fascinating group of organisms. Front Matter....Pages i-xxv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Describing Ammonoid Conchs....Pages 3-24 Ammonoid Color Patterns....Pages 25-44 Ammonoid Septa and Sutures....Pages 45-90 Cameral Membranes, Pseudosutures, and Other Soft Tissue Imprints in Ammonoid Shells....Pages 91-109 Front Matter....Pages 111-111 Ammonoid Embryonic Development....Pages 113-205 Theoretical Modelling of the Molluscan Shell: What has been Learned From the Comparison Among Molluscan Taxa?....Pages 207-251 Mature Modifications and Sexual Dimorphism....Pages 253-320 Ammonoid Shell Microstructure....Pages 321-357 Ammonoid Intraspecific Variability....Pages 359-426 Front Matter....Pages 427-427 Ammonoid Buccal Mass and Jaw Apparatus....Pages 429-484 Ammonoid Radula....Pages 485-505 Soft Part Anatomy of Ammonoids: Reconstructing the Animal Based on Exceptionally Preserved Specimens and Actualistic Comparisons....Pages 507-529 Soft-Part Anatomy of the Siphuncle in Ammonoids....Pages 531-544 The Body Chamber Length Variations and Muscle and Mantle Attachments in Ammonoids....Pages 545-584 The Additional External Shell Layers Indicative of “Endocochleate Experiments” in Some Ammonoids....Pages 585-609 Front Matter....Pages 611-611 Ammonoid Buoyancy....Pages 613-648 Ammonoid Locomotion....Pages 649-688 Ammonoid Habitats and Life History....Pages 689-791 Isotope Signature of Ammonoid Shells....Pages 793-836 Parasites of Ammonoids....Pages 837-875 Front Matter....Pages 611-611 Ammonoid Paleopathology....Pages 877-926 Back Matter....Pages 927-934