Macarvutites

Macarvutites are a genus of extinct marine invertebrates belonging to the order Goniatitida. These cephalopods, characterized by their coiled shells, lived during the Devonian period, specifically from the Early Devonian to the Late Devonian epochs. The shells of Macarvutites typically exhibit intricate suture patterns, which are the lines where the shell chambers meet internally. These suture lines are a key feature used by paleontologists to classify and identify different ammonoid species. Fossilized Macarvutites have been found in various marine sedimentary rock formations around the world, providing valuable insights into the paleoecology and paleogeography of the Devonian oceans. The genus is important for understanding the evolutionary history of ammonoids and their eventual diversification and extinction. Detailed study of their shell morphology, including the shape of the aperture and the presence of external ornamentation like ribs or spines, further aids in distinguishing Macarvutites from other closely related ammonoid genera. Their presence in the fossil record helps to date rock layers and reconstruct ancient environments.