Loading AI tools
Genus of primitive cephalopod From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sphooceras is a genus of primitive cephalopod from the Silurian period. Most fossils have been found in the Czech Republic, but possible fossils may also exist in other countries.[1][2] It is currently known from two species, Sphooceras disjunctum and Sphooceras truncatum.
Sphooceras Temporal range: | |
---|---|
Full-color live reconstruction of Sphooceras. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | |
Phylum: | |
Class: | |
Subclass: | |
Order: | |
Family: | †Sphooceratidae |
Genus: | †Sphooceras |
Type species | |
†Sphooceras truncatum (Barrande, 1860) | |
Species | |
|
Multiple individuals of Sphooceras have been found, possibly even sporting various growth stages. While the larvae sported coiled shells, adult individuals were found have sported truncated, straight shells, giving them a rather sausage-like appearance.[2][3] They are among the earliest cephalopods to sport a fully-covered mantle, similar to that of a cowrie, and may have even repaired such shells similarly. Fossilized remains also show possible patterning of stripes similar to those sported on the extant nautilus, probably for camouflage.[3]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.