Belemnite Evolutionary History

Belemnite Evolutionary History

Belemnites were marine cephalopods that lived during the Mesozoic era, from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period. They were closely related to modern squids and cuttlefish, with a distinctive conical shell that gave them buoyancy and stability in the water.

Belemnites evolved from straight-shelled ancestors known as belemnoids, which date back to the Devonian period. Over time, they developed a more streamlined shell and a more efficient method of propulsion, allowing them to become successful predators in the ancient seas. Their fossils are abundant and widespread, providing valuable insights into the evolution of cephalopods.