ASTEROLEPIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Asterolepis is a noun referring to an extinct genus of ancient fishes that lived during the Devonian period, approximately 360 million years ago. It belongs to the subclass Placodermi, which were armored fishes characterized by bony plates covering their bodies. Asterolepis is categorized under the family Asterolepididae.
The name "Asterolepis" is derived from Greek, with "astero" meaning "star" and "lepis" meaning "scale." This name alludes to the unique scale pattern found on the outer surface of Asterolepis fossils, which resemble star-shaped markings. These scales were composed of a bony material called dentine, providing protection to the fish.
Asterolepis specimens display distinctive anatomical features, including a flattened head, elongated body, and large pectoral fins. They typically reached lengths of about 30 to 40 centimeters. Asterolepis had a bone-plated jaw, which allowed it to crush and consume its prey. It is suggested that these fishes were bottom-dwellers, inhabiting rivers and shallow marine environments during their time.
The study of Asterolepis fossils has contributed to our understanding of early fish evolution and the adaptation of vertebrates to aquatic environments. These fossils provide valuable insights into the morphology, behavior, and paleoecology of ancient fishe. By examining the remains of Asterolepis, paleontologists can reconstruct the past ecosystems and gain insights into the evolution of ancient vertebrates.
-
A gigantic ganoid fossil fish of the old red sandstone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ASTEROLEPIS
- zsterolepis
- ssterolepis
- wsterolepis
- qsterolepis
- aaterolepis
- azterolepis
- axterolepis
- adterolepis
- aeterolepis
- awterolepis
- asrerolepis
- asferolepis
- asgerolepis
- asyerolepis
- as6erolepis
- as5erolepis
- astwrolepis
- astsrolepis
- astdrolepis
Etymology of ASTEROLEPIS
The word "Asterolepis" is derived from the Ancient Greek terms "aster", meaning "star", and "lepis", meaning "scale". Thus, "Asterolepis" can be interpreted as "star scale" or "star-like scale". This name was given to a genus of extinct fish that existed during the Late Devonian period, around 370 million years ago. The name likely refers to the distinctive scale pattern found on the fish's body.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
