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Ammonites turn into fossils through a process called fossilization, which typically begins when the ammonite dies and its shell sinks to the ocean floor. Over time, sediment buries the shell, protecting it from decay and scavengers. Minerals in the surrounding sediment infiltrate the shell, gradually replacing organic material and forming a solid mineral cast. This process can take millions of years, resulting in the ammonite's preserved fossil form.

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Is Ammonites a trace fossil or a body fossil?

Ammonites are considered body fossils because they are the preserved remains of an organism that lived millions of years ago. Trace fossils, on the other hand, are evidence of the activities of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.


Is ammonites good index fossels?

Yes, ammonites are good index fossils because they had a wide geographical distribution and existed for a long period of time. Their evolution is well-documented, making them useful for relative dating of rock layers.


What is an index fossil of the mesozoic era?

Ammonites are commonly used as index fossils for the Mesozoic era. These marine cephalopods had distinctive shell shapes and were widespread during the Mesozoic, making them useful for dating and correlating rock layers.


Which came first trilobites or ammonites how did you know?

Trilobites are older than ammonites, with trilobites appearing first in the fossil record about 521 million years ago during the Cambrian period, while ammonites appeared later, around 400 million years ago during the Devonian period. Scientists determine the age of fossils based on their position in rock layers and radiometric dating techniques.


Why Are Ammonites Classified As Index Fossils?

Ammonites are classified as index fossils because they were widespread, existed for relatively short geological periods, and exhibit rapid evolutionary changes. Their distinctive and varied shell shapes make them easily recognizable in the fossil record. This allows geologists to correlate the ages of rock layers across different geographic locations based on the presence of specific ammonite species, aiding in relative dating. Their use as index fossils is crucial for understanding the timing of geological events and the evolution of life on Earth.

Related Questions

What are types of fossils?

Trilobites, Ammonites


What were predators of ammonites?

Various aquatic reptiles were predators of ammonites. Fossils of damaged ammonites have been found with teeth marks from Plesiosaurs.


Where was ammonites dominant?

Ammonites are very common fossils from the Jurassic Period. They were dominant in the ocean during and before the Jurassic Period.


Is Ammonites a trace fossil or a body fossil?

Ammonites are considered body fossils because they are the preserved remains of an organism that lived millions of years ago. Trace fossils, on the other hand, are evidence of the activities of ancient organisms, such as footprints or burrows.


What is a ammonite fossil called?

Ammonites are the most widely-known and abundant fossils in the world. The name "ammonites" came from the Greek god Ammon. Ammonites include squid, octopus, snails, cuttlefish, and nautilus.


Is ammonites good index fossels?

Yes, ammonites are good index fossils because they had a wide geographical distribution and existed for a long period of time. Their evolution is well-documented, making them useful for relative dating of rock layers.


What type of fossils do blue whales turn into?

they dont turn into fossils stupid


What environment is was home to the ammonites?

The curved shells of ammonites are common as fossils and, due to their distribution worldwide, were found i almost all of the mid-Devonian and Mesozoic era seas. They were sea creatures which lived between 240 - 65 million years ago.


What is an index fossil of the mesozoic era?

Ammonites are commonly used as index fossils for the Mesozoic era. These marine cephalopods had distinctive shell shapes and were widespread during the Mesozoic, making them useful for dating and correlating rock layers.


Where do you turn in fossils in Pokemon platinum?

You turn in your fossils to the scientist inside the museum of Oreburgh City.


Which came first trilobites or ammonites how did you know?

Trilobites are older than ammonites, with trilobites appearing first in the fossil record about 521 million years ago during the Cambrian period, while ammonites appeared later, around 400 million years ago during the Devonian period. Scientists determine the age of fossils based on their position in rock layers and radiometric dating techniques.


Why are ammonites important?

Ammonites are important because they are extinct marine mollusks that lived millions of years ago. Their fossils provide valuable information for dating rocks and understanding ancient environments. Additionally, the intricate patterns and designs on ammonite shells make them popular with collectors and scientists studying evolution.