What is desmoceras?

Desmoceras is a genus of extinct cephalopods that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, between 100 and 65 million years ago. These creatures belonged to the family Desmoceratidae, which are characterized by their prominent, hooked shells and complex sutures (the lines where the shell segments meet).

Desmoceras fossils have been found all over the world, including in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. They were most diverse and abundant in the Western Interior Seaway, a shallow body of water that covered much of central North America during the Late Cretaceous.

Desmoceras had a coiled shell with a flattened, disc-like shape and a pointed, curved apex. Their shells were often adorned with ribs or spines, which probably served to strengthen the shell and deter predators. These creatures likely swam and scavenged along the seafloor, using their powerful tentacles to capture prey and their sharp beaks to crush it.

Overall, Desmoceras was a highly successful and adaptable creature that played an important role in Late Cretaceous marine ecosystems. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of ancient cephalopods and the history of life on Earth.