macroconch
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Noun
[edit]macroconch (plural macroconchs or macroconches)
- The female form of an ammonite (that has a larger shell than the male (the microconch).
- 2016 January 14, “Paleobiology of the Latest Tithonian (Late Jurassic) Ammonite Salinites grossicostatum Inferred from Internal and External Shell Parameters”, in PLOS ONE[1], :
- Initially, the apophysis follows the coiling of the shell but it projects ventrolaterally during the final ontogenetic stage of macroconch development.
- 2017, Danna Staaf, Squid Empire, ForeEdge, →ISBN, page 59:
- A few collections of ammonoid eggs have even been found inside macroconchs, which is tempting to interpret as brooding behavior and further support for calling macroconchs female.