The ectocochleate (externally shelled)[1] cephalopods are the oldest known representatives of their class, dating back to the Cambrian period.[1] Their aragonitic shells are not prone to fossilisation.[2] They contain the modern Nautilus and many fossil forms including the ancient Ellesmerocerida and the ammonoids.[1]
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References
edit- ^ a b c d Peter Boyle; Rodhouse, Paul (2004). "3: Origin and evolution". Cephalopods : ecology and fisheries. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Pub. doi:10.1002/9780470995310.ch3. ISBN 0-632-06048-4.
- ^ Henderson, ROBERT A.; MacNamara, Kenneth J. (1985). "Taphonomy and ichnology of cephalopod shells in a Maastrichtian chalk from Western Australia". Lethaia. 18 (4): 305. doi:10.1111/j.1502-3931.1985.tb00710.x.
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