Levisoceras Explained

Levisoceras is a genus of early Ordovician ellesmerocerid cephalopods.^{[1] [2]}

Morphology

Levisoceras is a distinctive ellesmeroceratid that combines rapid expansion a strong endogastric curvature. The cross section is compressed with the height increasing more rapidly than the width. The siphuncle is ventral and expands much as the shell itself.^[1] In one specimen^[2] the height was found to be around four centimetres and the width 2.5 cm. The septa are approximately flat.

Taxonomic Relations

Some 14 or so species have been named. Those more gently expanding approach Dakeoceras in form. There is also an apparent transition between Levisoceras and Burenoceras.^[1]

Ecology

Levisoceras was carnivorous and lived on, and swum above, the sea floor.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Flower, R.H. 1964. The Nasutiloid Order Ellesmerocerida (Cephalopoda); Memoir 12, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Socorro N.M.
2. Kröger . B. R. . Some Lesser Known Features of the Ancient Cephalopod Order Ellesmerocerida (Nautiloidea, Cephalopoda) . 2007 . Palaeontology . 50 . 3 . 565–572. 10.1111/j.1475-4983.2007.00644.x . free . 2007Palgy..50..565K .
3. Web site: The Paleobiology Database: Levisoceras. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110718010611/http://flatpebble.nceas.ucsb.edu/cgi-bin/bridge.pl?action=basicTaxonInfo&taxon_no=12387. 2011-07-18.