Ceratitoidea

/ˌsɛrətɪˈtɔɪdiə/ noun

Definition

A superfamily of extinct spiral-shelled cephalopods (ancient squid and octopus relatives) that lived during the Mesozoic era.

Etymology

From Greek 'keras' (horn) + '-itoid' (resembling) + Greek '-ea' (superfamily suffix). These creatures had horn-like shells that resembled their ammonite cousins.

Kelly Says

These ancient animals were literally competing for ocean dominance with the dinosaurs above—ceratitoids were some of the most sophisticated predators in Mesozoic seas, hunting with jet propulsion and precision arms.

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