Palaeobiology of ammonoids

4th June 2026, 4PM CEST/10 AM EST (check here other time zones)

Link: https://phbern.zoom.us/j/66766939712?pwd=7zkIvhaaPOpYyxEzrdtSBTH2AQjfwo.1

Ammonoids are extinct cephalopods with a history of about 340 million years. Although they are regionally very common and highly diverse, we only slowly begin to understand their biology. Because of their external shell, fossilized soft parts may often be covered. Exceptionally preserved specimens revealed much of their internal anatomy. Ammonoid robots helped us understand functional aspects of their conchs. Still, many open questions remain.

Biosketch

Prof. Dr. Christian Klug

Titular professor at Zürich University

Curator of the paleontological collection and exhibition

After completing his doctorate, Christian Klug was initially employed as a trainee at the State Museum of Natural History and then took up a senior assistant position at the University of Zurich in 2003. After completing his habilitation in 2008, he succeeded Dr. Heinz Furrer as curator of the former Palaeontological Museum in 2014 and was appointed titular professor in 2016. As a palaeontologist, Christian Klug is passionate about the evolution of cephalopods and early fish as well as many other extinct animals. He enjoy sharing his expertise and new research findings in lectures, guided tours and exhibitions. In addition to his museum work, Christian Klug also curates the palaeontological collection, teaches students at UZH and ETH and has his own research team.