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.