Lot 20A
Ancient Seas, Morocco, Devonian Period, ca. 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago. A slab of stone containing multiple fossilized Orthoceras shells embedded within the dark matrix. These prehistoric cephalopods are characterized by their long, tapering, conical shells, visible here as pale segmented structures running through the stone. The surrounding surface has been polished to accentuate the dramatic contrast between the fossil material and matrix, with elongated black forms illustrating the full shell shape. Size: 10.5" L x 5.5" W (26.7 cm x 14 cm)
Prehistoric 'straight' cephalopods include straight ammonoids called orthoceras. Cephalopod evolution began during the Late Cambrian Period. Some of these creatures evolved into semi-coiled forms, eventually giving rise to coiled cephalopods like ammonites and nautili. Straight cephalopods were among the most advanced invertebrates of their time, with eyes, jaws, and a sophisticated nervous system. These creatures were predators that swam freely using a jet propulsion system by squirting water from their bodies. They had tentacles and ink sacs, much like present-day squid. Except for belemnites, cephalopods had external shells with hollow internal chambers separated by walls called septa. A tube called the siphuncle connected the body with the chambers allowing the animal to fill them with water or air, changing its buoyancy in order to rise or drop in the ocean. Only the last and largest chamber was occupied by the living animal!
Provenance: private Texas, USA Collection
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#201994
- Condition: Professionally prepared and polished. Some nicks and abrasions to the raised polished areas, but otherwise intact.
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