As a specialist in the field of paleontology, I have a deep understanding of the history and evolution of various species, including the ammonites. These fascinating creatures have left a significant mark on our understanding of the ancient world. To address your question about the age of an ammonite, we must delve into the geological timescale and the evolutionary history of these marine animals.

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals that are more formally known as ammonoids. They are part of the mollusk family and are particularly famous for their spiral-shaped shells. These shells are not only beautiful but also serve as a key to understanding the age of the earth and the creatures that once inhabited it.

The age of an ammonite is not a singular figure, as the group existed for a considerable period of time. The first ammonites appeared during the Devonian period, which is approximately 400 million years ago. They thrived and diversified through the Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. It is important to note that the various shapes and sizes of ammonite shells that appeared and disappeared through these ages are used by scientists to date other fossils. This is because ammonites evolved rapidly, and their shells changed in distinct ways that correspond to different time periods.

The extinction event that wiped out the ammonites, along with the dinosaurs, is known as the **Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event**. This catastrophic event occurred about 65 million years ago. The cause of this mass extinction is still a subject of debate among scientists, with theories ranging from a massive volcanic eruption to an asteroid impact.

Ammonites were prolific breeders and lived in schools, which contributed to their abundance in the fossil record. Their shells are among the most abundant fossils found today, providing valuable insights into the marine ecosystems of the past. The study of ammonites is not just about understanding a single species; it's about piecing together the puzzle of life on earth millions of years ago.

In conclusion, to determine the age of a specific ammonite, one would need to consider the geological period in which it lived. Given that ammonites existed from the Devonian period to the end of the Cretaceous period, the age of an ammonite could range from approximately 400 million years to 65 million years old. The study of these creatures is crucial for our understanding of the history of life on our planet and the processes that have shaped it.

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Ammonites were prolific breeders, lived in schools, and are among the most abundant fossils found today. They went extinct with the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Scientists use the various shapes and sizes of ammonite shells that appeared and disappeared through the ages to date other fossils.May 10, 2011read more >>