The morpho-mechanical basis of ammonite form

Ammonites are a group of extinct cephalopods that garner tremendous interest over a range of scientific fields and have been a paradigm for biochronology, palaeobiology, and evolutionary theories. Their defining feature is the spiral geometry and ribbing pattern through which palaeontologists infer phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary trends. Here, we develop a morpho-mechanical model for ammonite morphogenesis. While a wealth of observations have been compiled on ammonite form, and several functional interpretations may be found, this study presents the first quantitative model to explain rib formation. Our approach, based on fundamental principles of growth and mechanics, gives a natural explanation for the morphogenesis and diversity of ribs, uncovers intrinsic laws linking ribbing and shell geometry, and provides new opportunities to interpret ammonites’ and other mollusks’ evolution. [Display omitted] •We develop a mechanical model for the formation of ribs in ammonite shells.•The model is based on fundamental physical principles of the shell growth process.•All major characteristics of ammonite form and evolutionary trends are captured.•This work presents the first quantitative model of shell ribbing pattern.•Enables new understanding of ammonites evolution in evo devo perspective.