CORNULITES Meaning and
Definition
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Cornulites is a term used in paleontology to refer to a genus of extinct marine organisms that belong to the class Tentaculita. These creatures were small in size, typically measuring less than 1 centimeter, and were characterized by their unique conical or horn-shaped shells, from which they derived their name. The shells of Cornulites were composed of calcium carbonate and consisted of a series of chambers arranged in a spiral pattern.
Cornulites fossils are commonly found in sedimentary rocks, particularly those of marine origin, dating back to the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian periods. Due to their abundance in the fossil record, these organisms have become significant index fossils that aid in geological dating and correlation of strata.
The exact biological affinities of Cornulites remain uncertain. While they were initially classified as a separate class of brachiopod-like creatures, recent studies suggest that they may have been related to other groups such as bryozoans or tube-dwelling annelids. Their lifestyle is thought to have been either sessile or epibenthic, with individuals attaching themselves to hard substrates in marine environments.
The study of Cornulites is essential in understanding the paleoecology and paleogeography of ancient marine ecosystems. By examining their distribution patterns, researchers can infer details about the environmental conditions in which they lived and gain insights into the dynamics of marine communities during the geological past.
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In geol., a genus of ringed shelly tubes occurring in silurian strata.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CORNULITES
- xornulites
- vornulites
- fornulites
- dornulites
- cirnulites
- ckrnulites
- clrnulites
- cprnulites
- c0rnulites
- c9rnulites
- coenulites
- codnulites
- cofnulites
- cotnulites
- co5nulites
- co4nulites
- corbulites
- cormulites
- corjulites
- corhulites
Etymology of CORNULITES
The word "Cornulites" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from two Latin words: "cornu", meaning "horn", and "lites", meaning "small". Together, they form the word "Cornulites", which can be translated as "small horns" or "horn-shaped". This term is often used in reference to fossilized organisms, specifically colonial coral-like creatures that have horn-shaped structures.
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