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AUDIO 3: Ammonite Sphenodiscus Splendens  "Ammonite Sphenodiscus Splendens," Circa 66 million years ago, discovered in Dewey County, SD, USA This spectacular opalescent fossil is registered by the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research as one of the finest ammonite specimens ever found in the U.S. Predecessor to the squid, octopus, and South Pacific nautilus, this hard-shelled predatory mollusk swam in shallow seas and suddenly became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. This particular ammonite lived in the ancient warm shallow Bearpaw Sea previously bordered by the young Rocky Mountains. The word “ammonite” derives from Ammon, an ancient Egyptian god who considered these creatures to be divine, took the form of a ram, and is represented by the head of a ram with horns reminiscent of twisted ammonite shells. The Roman historian Pliny the Elder regarded the ammonite as the holiest stone because it was said to evoke prophetic dreams. Man can not improve upon God! Collected by paleontologist Glenn Reede and prepared by American fossil expert Jim Schoon. Previous • Back to List • Next |