Nautiloidea indet
Class Cephalopoda, Subclass Nautiloidea
Geological Time: Ordovician
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Orthocone fossil is 20 mm long by 15 mm wide on a 90 by 50 mm matrix Operculum: 15 mm by 12 mm on an 80 mm by 60 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Jebel Ougnat, Morocco
Fossil Code: 13110
Price: Sold
 Description:
This pair of specimens were found close to each other, but it
is not certain that they belong to a single animal. The larger
is an orthocone nautiloid while the smaller oval specimen is
what is known as an  operculum. Some researchers think that specimens
such as this represent jaws that were preserved separately from
the shell. While that may be the case for some later types such
as from Bear Gulch and the Mesozoic. I am inclined to agree with
those who attribute an opercular function to the one seen here.
See the restoration of the living animal. |
