Definition
A 'nautilus' is a cephalopod mollusk with a distinctive coiled shell. π Unlike its relatives (squids and octopuses), it has a fully developed external shell that protects it. Think of it as a tiny submarine, navigating the ocean depths. β They are often called 'living fossils' because their form hasn't changed much in millions of years. They use gas-filled chambers in their shell to control their buoyancy. Nautiluses offer a glimpse into the ancient oceans and the evolution of life.