GRAPTOLITES Meaning and
Definition
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Graptolites are extinct marine organisms that belonged to the phylum Hemichordata, subclass Graptolithina. They are the fossilized remains of small, colonial animals that lived from the Cambrian period to the Carboniferous period, spanning approximately 500 million to 300 million years ago. The name "graptolite" comes from the Greek words "grapto," meaning "written," and "lithos," meaning "stone," which accurately describes their fossilized appearance.
These creatures were characterized by their unique, leaf-like or tubular structures, called "thecae," which formed part of their intricate colonies. They lived in planktonic environments, floating in the ancient oceans and attaching themselves to various substrates, such as rocks and seaweed. Graptolites possessed a simple feeding apparatus called a "lophophore," which allowed them to filter organic particles from the water to obtain nutrients.
Graptolites are significant from a paleontological perspective because their fossil record provides important information about the evolution and biostratigraphy of ancient marine ecosystems. They have been used as biostratigraphic markers, aiding in the correlation of rock layers and age determination of sedimentary sequences. Moreover, studies of their morphology and ecological preferences have shed light on the paleoecology and paleoclimate of bygone eras.
Although graptolites became extinct during the late Carboniferous period, their abundance and diversity during their existence make them valuable indicators for stratigraphic studies and understanding ancient marine environments. These fossils have allowed scientists to reconstruct the intricate webs of life that once thrived in the primordial oceans of our planet.
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In geol., fossil zoophytes akin to the sea-pen of modern seas, found throughout the Silurian deposits.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GRAPTOLITES
- fraptolites
- vraptolites
- braptolites
- hraptolites
- yraptolites
- traptolites
- geaptolites
- gdaptolites
- gfaptolites
- gtaptolites
- g5aptolites
- g4aptolites
- grzptolites
- grsptolites
- grwptolites
- grqptolites
- graotolites
- graltolites
- gra-tolites
- gra0tolites
Etymology of GRAPTOLITES
The word "graptolites" comes from the Ancient Greek roots "grapto-" meaning "written" or "inscribed", and "-lithos" meaning "stone". Therefore, the term "graptolites" can be translated as "written in stone". This name was given to these extinct marine animals because their remains were often found as fossils on rocks, resembling intricate markings or writing on stone surfaces. Graptolites were prevalent from the Cambrian period to the end of the Silurian period, approximately 540 to 420 million years ago.
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