macroconch

macroconch

English

Etymology

From macro- +‎ conch.

Noun

macroconch (plural macroconchs or macroconches)

1. 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, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0145865:

     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.