Renowned researchers summarise the current knowledge on ammonoid paleobiology. The book first describes the systematic position of the Ammonoidea within the Cephalopoda, providing the phylogenetic framework for the rest of the book. The following discussions include soft- and hard-part morphology of ammonoids, rate of growth and ontogeny, and taphonomy and ecology. Closing chapters explore the distribution of ammonoids in time and space as well as their extinction at the end ofthe Cretaceous. With its diverse viewpoints and new material, this resource will benefit researchers and graduate students in paleontology, marine biology, and evolutionary biology.
Phylogenetic Perspective: The Position of the Ammonoidea within the Cephalopoda; T. Engeser. Structure of Hard and Soft Tissues: Morphology of the Jaw and Radula in Ammonoids; M. Nixon. Attachment of the Body to the Shell in Ammonoids; L. Doguzhaeva, H. Mutvei. Ammonoid Shell Microstructure; C. Kulicki. Color Patterns in Ammonoids; R.H. Mapes, R.A. Davis. The Septal Necksiphuncular Complex of Ammonoids; K. Tanabe, N.H. Landman. Buoyancy, Swimming, and Biomechanics: Buoyancy and Hydrodynamics in Ammonoids; D.K. Jacobs, J.A. Chamberlain, Jr. Theoretical Modeling of Ammonoid Morphology; T. Okamoto. Morphogenesis of the Septum in Ammonoids; A.G. Checa, J.M. Garcia-Ruiz. Architecture and Strength of the Ammonoid Shell; R.A. Hewitt. Growth: Ammonoid Embryonic Development; N.H.Landman, et al. Mode and Rate of Growth in Ammonoids; H. Bucher, et al. Mature Modifications and Sexual Dimorphism in Ammonoids; R.A. Davis, et al. Taphonomy: Ammonoid Taphonomy; H. Maeda, A. Seilacher. Ecology: Ammonoid Pathology; R. Hengsbach. Ammonoid Life and Habitat; G.E.G. Westermann. Biostratigraphy and Biogeography: Paleozoic Ammonoids in Space and Time; R.T. Becker, J. Kullmann. Mesozoic Ammonoids in Space and Time; K. Page. Crises in Ammonoid Evolution; J. Wiedmann, J. Kullmann. Ammonoid Extinction; P. Ward. Glossary of Terms. Index.
'Impressively documents the knowledge that has been gained of these extinct animals from their fossilized shells and other hard remains and from the kinds and ages of sedimentary rocks that now preserve them.' Choice 'The most important collation on the subject available in print, and complements other conference volumes over the last twenty years...A major contribution to ammonoid literature for which the editors deserve much credit.' The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 1998