Belemnite Adaptive Radiations

Belemnites were a diverse group of marine cephalopods that lived during the Mesozoic era. They were closely related to modern squids and cuttlefish. Belemnites had a hard, internal shell called a guard that helped to provide buoyancy and protection. They were highly successful in adapting to various marine environments, leading to several adaptive radiations.

One example of belemnite adaptive radiation occurred during the Jurassic period when they rapidly diversified into different ecological niches. Some belemnites evolved larger guards for increased protection, while others developed streamlined shapes for faster swimming. These adaptations allowed them to exploit new food sources and habitats, leading to their widespread distribution and abundance in the ancient seas.