Description
Aturia cf. alabamensis- Nautiloid
Lower Oligocene
Washington, USA
10cm AturAturia Wikipedia” target=”_blank”>Aturia Wikipediaia with body chamber from the lower Oligocene to upper Eocene exposures along the N.W. coast of Washington State
aturia cf. alabamensis is an extinct nautiloid from the Oligocene epoch, about 30 million years ago. Unlike the earlier straight-shelled nautiloids, Aturia had a beautifully coiled, disc-like shell with intricate internal chambers. Its smooth, rounded shape and complex sutures made it a strong swimmer in warm, shallow seas. Related to modern nautiluses, Aturia represents one of the last thriving groups of ancient shelled cephalopods before their decline. Fossils of A. cf. alabamensis are rare and offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution and survival of nautiloids long after the age of dinosaurs.
