Turbinissa

Turbinissa is a genus of extinct marine gastropod mollusks that lived during the Cretaceous period. Fossils of turbinissa are found in various locations around the world, indicating a widespread distribution during their time. These ancient snails were likely bottom-dwellers, inhabiting shallow marine environments. Their shells, like those of modern turbinids, were typically coiled and varied in size and ornamentation. The exact diet and behavior of turbinissa are not well understood due to the limited fossil record, but it is inferred they fed on algae or detritus. The genus is primarily known from its fossilized shells, which exhibit characteristic spiral growth patterns. Studying turbinissa provides insights into the diversity of marine life during the Cretaceous and the evolutionary history of gastropods. The classification and precise relationships of turbinissa within the broader gastropod family tree are subjects of ongoing paleontological research.