Fossilised nautilus shell
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Fossilised nautilus shell
Fossilised nautilus shell, Nautilus striatus, from the lower Jurassic period (195-172 million years ago) found at Lyme Regis. Nautilus, a Cephalopod, is represented today by one family found in the Indo-Pacific region. The shell is spirally coiled & divided by transverse septa (covered with calcite crystals here) into numerous gas-filled chambers, which maintain the animals buoyancy. The living animal occupies the most recently formed chamber. The enclosure of gas is through the siphuncle or shelly tube (visible at centre), which connects the gas-filled chambers with the animal. In newly formed chambers water is pumped out by the siphuncle. Locomotion is by water jets
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Media ID 6372361
© SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Fossil Invertebrate Fossils Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable fossilized nautilus shell, belonging to the species Nautilus striatus, dating back to the lower Jurassic period approximately 195-172 million years ago. Discovered in Lyme Regis, this ancient cephalopod specimen offers a glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past. The spirally coiled shell is divided by transverse septa and adorned with calcite crystals, highlighting its intricate beauty. The numerous gas-filled chambers within the shell served to maintain buoyancy for the creature. Interestingly, the living animal would occupy the most recently formed chamber while being connected to all previous ones through a shelly tube called the siphuncle. A closer look reveals how water was pumped out of newly formed chambers by this ingenious mechanism. This allowed for locomotion through powerful water jets propelling them forward in their underwater habitat. While today's nautilus can only be found in one family residing in the Indo-Pacific region, fossils like these provide invaluable insights into their evolutionary history and behavior. This photograph not only captures an exquisite relic from our planet's distant past but also serves as a testament to nature's ability to adapt and survive over millions of years. Courtesy of Science Photo Library, this image invites us on an awe-inspiring journey through time and deepens our appreciation for Earth's rich paleontological heritage.
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