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Parapauciceras praecursa Ammonite Fossil Upper Tithonian Jurassic Cretaceous UK Certified Specimen

Parapauciceras praecursa Ammonite Fossil Upper Tithonian Jurassic Cretaceous UK Certified Specimen

£9.00

Authentic Parapauciceras praecursa Ammonite Fossil from the UK

This is a genuine Parapauciceras praecursa ammonite fossil from the Upper Tithonian stage, discovered in the classic deposits of Alceston Bambury, United Kingdom. Dated to around 150 million years ago, at the close of the Jurassic transitioning into the Cretaceous, this fossil captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of ammonites and the marine ecosystems they inhabited. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive, with scale cubes of 1 cm included for accurate measurement. All our fossils are carefully selected for quality, rarity, and preservation, and each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting and Age

The Upper Tithonian stage (Late Jurassic, approximately 152–145 million years ago) represents the final interval before the dawn of the Cretaceous. Fossils from this stage are vital for understanding how marine life adapted to changing climates and ocean systems during this period. The fossiliferous beds of Alceston Bambury are part of a geological sequence formed in shallow marine depositional environments, where fine sediments accumulated and preserved the remains of ammonites and other marine organisms. Ammonites such as Parapauciceras praecursa serve as biostratigraphic markers, enabling geologists to accurately date and correlate strata across regions.

Scientific Classification

  • Class: Cephalopoda
  • Subclass: Ammonoidea
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
  • Family: Neocomitidae
  • Genus: Parapauciceras
  • Species: Parapauciceras praecursa

As a member of the family Neocomitidae, Parapauciceras represents a lineage that flourished during the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition. Its distinctive shell morphology and ornamentation provide vital insights into ammonite evolution during this interval.

Morphological Characteristics

The shell morphology of Parapauciceras praecursa is highly distinctive, with well-defined ribbing extending across the flanks of the whorls. These ribs typically bifurcate, producing a striking ornamental pattern characteristic of the genus. The shell is evolute, with the inner whorls visible and a wide umbilicus. The ornamentation is both aesthetically appealing and scientifically diagnostic, allowing palaeontologists to identify the species and use it as a marker fossil. The intricate ribbing also played a functional role in strengthening the shell and may have affected the animal’s hydrodynamics in the ancient seas.

Palaeontological Importance

Parapauciceras praecursa is regarded as a significant index fossil for the Upper Tithonian, assisting geologists in establishing biozones and stratigraphic correlations across Europe. Its presence in the fossil record demonstrates the widespread distribution of ammonites during this time, highlighting their adaptability to varying marine environments. As a cephalopod, it was part of a dynamic ecosystem that included other ammonites, marine reptiles, and early forms of modern fish. Studying this species helps scientists reconstruct palaeoenvironmental conditions at the close of the Jurassic and provides clues to the evolutionary pressures that influenced the transition into the Cretaceous.

Collector and Display Value

This Parapauciceras praecursa ammonite fossil is a rare and beautiful example from the UK, with strong ribbing and excellent definition across its whorls. Its historical and scientific value makes it an outstanding piece for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts. Ammonites from Alceston Bambury are especially desirable for their geological significance and well-preserved features. Whether for display, study, or investment, this specimen represents both the artistry of nature and the scientific story of life from 150 million years ago.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring you receive a carefully chosen piece of natural history with enduring value.

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Description

Authentic Parapauciceras praecursa Ammonite Fossil from the UK

This is a genuine Parapauciceras praecursa ammonite fossil from the Upper Tithonian stage, discovered in the classic deposits of Alceston Bambury, United Kingdom. Dated to around 150 million years ago, at the close of the Jurassic transitioning into the Cretaceous, this fossil captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of ammonites and the marine ecosystems they inhabited. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive, with scale cubes of 1 cm included for accurate measurement. All our fossils are carefully selected for quality, rarity, and preservation, and each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting and Age

The Upper Tithonian stage (Late Jurassic, approximately 152–145 million years ago) represents the final interval before the dawn of the Cretaceous. Fossils from this stage are vital for understanding how marine life adapted to changing climates and ocean systems during this period. The fossiliferous beds of Alceston Bambury are part of a geological sequence formed in shallow marine depositional environments, where fine sediments accumulated and preserved the remains of ammonites and other marine organisms. Ammonites such as Parapauciceras praecursa serve as biostratigraphic markers, enabling geologists to accurately date and correlate strata across regions.

Scientific Classification

  • Class: Cephalopoda
  • Subclass: Ammonoidea
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
  • Family: Neocomitidae
  • Genus: Parapauciceras
  • Species: Parapauciceras praecursa

As a member of the family Neocomitidae, Parapauciceras represents a lineage that flourished during the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition. Its distinctive shell morphology and ornamentation provide vital insights into ammonite evolution during this interval.

Morphological Characteristics

The shell morphology of Parapauciceras praecursa is highly distinctive, with well-defined ribbing extending across the flanks of the whorls. These ribs typically bifurcate, producing a striking ornamental pattern characteristic of the genus. The shell is evolute, with the inner whorls visible and a wide umbilicus. The ornamentation is both aesthetically appealing and scientifically diagnostic, allowing palaeontologists to identify the species and use it as a marker fossil. The intricate ribbing also played a functional role in strengthening the shell and may have affected the animal’s hydrodynamics in the ancient seas.

Palaeontological Importance

Parapauciceras praecursa is regarded as a significant index fossil for the Upper Tithonian, assisting geologists in establishing biozones and stratigraphic correlations across Europe. Its presence in the fossil record demonstrates the widespread distribution of ammonites during this time, highlighting their adaptability to varying marine environments. As a cephalopod, it was part of a dynamic ecosystem that included other ammonites, marine reptiles, and early forms of modern fish. Studying this species helps scientists reconstruct palaeoenvironmental conditions at the close of the Jurassic and provides clues to the evolutionary pressures that influenced the transition into the Cretaceous.

Collector and Display Value

This Parapauciceras praecursa ammonite fossil is a rare and beautiful example from the UK, with strong ribbing and excellent definition across its whorls. Its historical and scientific value makes it an outstanding piece for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts. Ammonites from Alceston Bambury are especially desirable for their geological significance and well-preserved features. Whether for display, study, or investment, this specimen represents both the artistry of nature and the scientific story of life from 150 million years ago.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring you receive a carefully chosen piece of natural history with enduring value.

Additional information

Era

Cretaceous, Jurassic
Origin

United Kingdom

Cretaceous Information

The Cretaceous Period (145–66 million years ago) was the final era of the Mesozoic, marked by the dominance of dinosaurs and the rise of flowering plants. It had a warm, greenhouse climate, with high sea levels that created vast shallow inland seas. Marine life flourished, including mosasaurs, ammonites, and rudist reefs, while the land was ruled by iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Spinosaurus. Mammals and birds diversified, and insects thrived. The period ended with the mass extinction event, likely caused by an asteroid impact, wiping out the dinosaurs and paving the way for the rise of mammals in the Cenozoic.

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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