Proceratites

*Proceratites* is a genus of extinct ammonoid, a type of shelled cephalopod related to modern squid and nautiluses. Fossils of *Proceratites* are found primarily in marine sedimentary rocks from the Late Jurassic period, dating approximately from 163 to 157 million years ago. This genus belongs to the family Proceratitidae, which is part of the larger group known as the Ammonitida.

The shell of *Proceratites* is characterized by its distinctive, elongated, and slightly curved shape, resembling a spiral staircase. The whorls, or coiled layers of the shell, are typically compressed laterally, giving the shell a flattened appearance. The ribs on the shell are prominent and often bifurcate (split into two branches) near the suture lines, where the shell folds inward. These sutures are complex and finely lobed, a common feature in many ammonoid species.

*Proceratites* is notable for its rapid evolutionary diversification during the Kimmeridgian and Tithonian stages of the Late Jurassic. The genus thrived in shallow to moderately deep marine environments, often in areas with high biological productivity. Fossils of *Proceratites* have been discovered in regions such as Europe, particularly in England, France, and Germany, as well as parts of North America and Asia.

Paleontologists study *Proceratites* to understand better the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of ammonoids during the Late Jurassic. The genus serves as an important biostratigraphic marker, aiding in the correlation of rock layers and the dating of geological formations. Its well-preserved fossils provide insights into the morphology, growth patterns, and environmental adaptations of these ancient marine creatures.