Wild Safari Ammonite Replica Revised

Florida-based Safari Ltd has created a detailed replica depicting a typical member of that diverse and now highly extinct group of sea creatures – the Ammonites.

Ammonite spiral shell fossils are some of the most important fossils known to invertebrate paleontologists. Such is the abundance and diversity of these marine creatures that scientists have used their fossil remains to date rock formations from one another. As a result, many ammonites are considered “zonal fossils” by geologists and other scientists.

Ancient mollusks

Ammonites belong to a group of mollusks called cephalopods. There are several different types of cephalopods alive today, all related to the ammonites. Existing cephalopods include octopus, squid, nautiloids, and the ammonites’ closest living relative, the cuttlefish.

Ideal model for amateur fossil collectors

These fossils are often the first type of fossil collected by an amateur fossil hunter. Many school science exhibits will have fossils and are likely to represent some members of Ammonoidea among them. The permineralized shells of these sea creatures can be found all over the world, now thanks to this Wild Safari Dinos replica you can see how scientists believe ammonites were.

The creature that lived within that coiled shell in the chamber had ten tentacles, two of which were much longer than the others. These tentacles were grouped around a central mouth. The eyes represented in this replica are quite large, reminiscent of the type of eyes seen in live cephalopods such as squid. The hypernome, that tube-like structure that spewed jets of water like a siphon that propelled this creature, can be clearly seen at the bottom of the model.

Colorful and painted sea creature

The hypernome, tentacles, and body elements visible outside the shell have been painted a striking orange color. The shell itself is painted in a bronze / brown shade. The spirals of the shell can be easily distinguished. The Safari Ltd design team has obviously taken the time to study different ammonite fossils to make their design as accurate as possible. The carapace has an almost metallic sheen, and along the shallow keel there are a series of prominent ridges and ridges. Many genera of ammonites are identified by the protrusions and ribs that can be seen, which are still preserved in the remains of their spiral-shaped shells.

A practical replica of ammonite

This model will be useful for teachers when trying to discuss fossils, rocks, and extinction with their students. It will also prove a useful addition to the display cases of fossil collectors who can now provide an illustration of what a living ammonite is believed to look like alongside its fossils. As with all Safari Ltd prehistoric animal models, this figure has been well designed, beautifully painted, and is a welcome addition to this company’s model range.