Alexander Bartholomew Bücher

Ammonites, an extinct and charismatic lineage, thrived for over 300 million years and played a crucial role in establishing the principle of faunal succession and the field of biostratigraphy. Despite extensive research, many significant questions about them remain unanswered, and outdated hypotheses still linger. Recent discoveries have enhanced our understanding of their life appearance, locomotion, and ecological roles, while controversies persist, such as the reasons behind the increase in shell complexity throughout their evolutionary history. This richly illustrated work explores the full spectrum of ammonoids and their captivating evolutionary journey. It documents the early history of paleontology and the contributions of ammonoids, describes their basic anatomy, summarizes their classification and diversity, and features stunning reconstructions. The book also highlights recent findings and ongoing debates in the field, making it an essential resource for those interested in the evolutionary history of these remarkable creatures.