Ammolite, Aapoak, Ammonite

Ammonites are extinct marine mollusks that once ruled the ancient seas, boasting over 10,000 known species that ranged from less than an inch to more than nine feet in diameter. These cephalopods are closely related to modern squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, and their coiled, chambered shells allowed them to control buoyancy in the water. Ammonites survived multiple mass extinctions and were dominant marine predators until their extinction alongside the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

The intricate patterns, called sutures, found on ammonite shells are not only beautiful but also vital for distinguishing different species and understanding their evolutionary relationships. Ammonite fossils are prized by collectors for their diversity and aesthetic appeal, and their presence in rock layers helps geologists date the strata.