Belemnites: Extinct Mollusks of the Ocean

Belemnites were ancient marine mollusks that lived during the Mesozoic Era, from around 200 to 65 million years ago. These creatures were similar to modern squids, with a long, bullet-shaped shell called a guard that served as a buoyancy aid. Belemnites were highly successful predators, using their tentacles to capture small fish and other prey.

These fascinating creatures have left behind a rich fossil record, with their guards being found in rocks all over the world. Scientists study these fossils to learn more about the evolution and behavior of belemnites, as well as the marine environments they inhabited. Despite their extinction, belemnites continue to capture the imagination of paleontologists and enthusiasts alike.