Ammonite

usgb/ˈæmənaɪt/
noun

A type of fossil or ancient marine animal similar to a snail with a spiral shell.

He found an ammonite during his geological field trip.
Visual representation of "ammonite" - A type of fossil or ancient marine animal similar to a snail with a spiral shell

Often appears as...

  • ammonite fossil
  • extinct ammonite

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Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "ammonite"
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Prehistoric Existence

Ammonites lived millions of years ago, so the term highlights ancient history and geology.

Illustration for Prehistoric Existence
The rock layer containing the ammonite must be Jurassic in age.
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Extinction Event

Ammonites became extinct, which often links to discussions on natural history and mass extinctions.

Illustration for Extinction Event
Like the dinosaurs, the ammonite vanished during a mass extinction.
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Fossil Identification

Ammonites are commonly found as fossils, so 'ammonite' refers to both the creature and its fossil.

Illustration for Fossil Identification
That spiral pattern is the hallmark of an ammonite's fossil.
Visual representation of the word "Ammonite"

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