This two-volume work is a testament to the abiding interest and human fascination with ammonites. We offer a new model to explain the morphogenesis of septa and the shell, we explore their habitats by the content of stable isotopes in their shells, we discuss the origin and later evolution of this important clade, and we deliver hypotheses on its demise. The Ammonoidea produced a great number of species that can be used in biostratigraphy and possibly, this is the macrofossil group, which has been used the most for that purpose. Nevertheless, many aspects of their anatomy, mode of life, development or paleobiogeographic distribution are still poorly known. Themes treated are biostratigraphy, paleoecology, paleoenvironment, paleobiogeography, evolution, phylogeny, and ontogeny. Advances such as an explosion of new information about ammonites, new technologies such as isotopic analysis, tomography and virtual paleontology in general, as well as continuous discovery of new fossil finds have given us the opportunity to present a comprehensive and timely "state of the art" compilation. Moreover, it also points the way for future studies to further enhance our understanding of this endlessly fascinating group of organisms.

Enhances our understanding of ammonoids Excellent reference book on this most important macroscopic group of index fossils Reflects the panel of ammonoid workers present nowadays in academia Includes unpublished specimens, data and results Contains new information from tomographic data obtained both from computer tomography and grinding tomography Of special interest in the studies of shell morphology, ontogeny, buoyancy, mode of life, and ultimately evolution

Inhalt

Ammonoid Paleobiology: From anatomy to ecology

Part I. Conch.- Part II. Ontogeny.- Part III. Anatomy.- Part IV. Habit and habitats.

Ammonoid Paleobiology: From macroevolution to paleogeography

Part I. Macroevolution.- Part II. Paleobiogeography of ammonoids.- Part III. Ammonoids through time.