Paleoecology, the study of ancient plantlife fossils, has interpretations of the Ammonite mode of life that are based on the behavior of Nautilus. However, Ammonite shell morphology is extremely diverse. The effect of shell shape on lifestyle has been investigated using numerical modeling to assess the stability of the shell within the water column and by observing the hydro-dynamic properties of different shells in the laboratory.
Any body immersed of floating in a liquid is acted on by a buoyant force equal to the weight of liquid displaced. The point through which this force acts is the center of buoyancy. The point through which the resultant force of gravity passes is the center of gravity.
In a stable orientation, the center of gravity lies directly below the center of buoyancy. The greater the distance between the centers, is the greater the stability. By estimating the volume and weight of Ammonites during life, the center of gravity of buoyancy of the animal can be calculated. This work has established the probable orientation of Ammonites with differing shell morphologies within the water column, helping to identify their likely mode of life.
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