Belemnites: Cephalopod Ancestors of the Silurian Period

Belemnites were ancient cephalopods that existed during the Silurian period, approximately 430 million years ago. These creatures were the ancestors of modern squids and cuttlefish. Belemnites had a long, bullet-shaped shell called a guard that provided buoyancy and protection. They were skilled predators, using their tentacles to catch prey. Over time, belemnites evolved and diversified, becoming important predators in the oceans of the Mesozoic era. Today, their fossils can be found all over the world, providing valuable insights into the evolution of cephalopods.