Territonidae

Territonidae is a family of extinct marine snails. These gastropods lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically from the Jurassic period to the Cretaceous period. They are characterized by their generally conical shells, which often exhibit distinctive ornamentation. The shell aperture, the opening of the shell, typically displays a specific shape and internal structure that helps in classification. Fossilized remains of Territonidae are found in marine sedimentary rocks from various locations worldwide, indicating a widespread distribution during their existence.

The taxonomic placement of Territonidae within the larger classification of gastropods has been subject to revision based on new fossil discoveries and analytical techniques. They are often grouped with other extinct families that share similar shell morphologies. The diet of Territonidae is inferred to be similar to that of modern predatory or herbivorous snails, depending on the specific species and its habitat. Their extinction, like that of many Mesozoic marine invertebrates, is thought to be linked to major environmental changes and extinction events that occurred at the end of the Cretaceous period. Studying Territonidae provides valuable insights into the diversity of marine life and evolutionary patterns of gastropods during the Mesozoic.