POLYCOTYL Meaning and
Definition
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Polycotyl, derived from the Greek words "polys" meaning "many" and "kotylos" meaning "cup," is a term used in paleontology to refer to a group of extinct marine reptiles known as plesiosaurs. These creatures lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically in the Late Jurassic period, approximately 165 to 155 million years ago.
Polycotyls were characterized by their unique physical features. They had a streamlined body structure with four large flippers, allowing for efficient swimming and maneuverability in the water. Their necks were notably long compared to other plesiosaurs and were composed of numerous small vertebrae, giving them flexibility and the ability to reach a wider range of prey.
These reptiles were marine predators that primarily fed on fish and other small marine organisms. They are believed to have occupied coastal and open ocean environments. Polycotyl fossils have been discovered in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
The classification of polycotyls within the broader group of plesiosaurs has undergone some revisions in recent years based on new fossil discoveries and current understanding of their relationships. This group is no longer considered monophyletic and is now referred to as Polycotylidae, a family within the superfamily Plesiosauroidea.
In summary, polycotyl is a term used to describe a group of marine reptiles known as plesiosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period. They were highly adapted swimmers with long necks and a diverse diet, inhabiting various marine environments around the globe.
Common Misspellings for POLYCOTYL
- oolycotyl
- lolycotyl
- 0olycotyl
- pilycotyl
- pklycotyl
- pllycotyl
- pplycotyl
- p0lycotyl
- p9lycotyl
- pokycotyl
- popycotyl
- pooycotyl
- poltcotyl
- polgcotyl
- polhcotyl
- polucotyl
- pol7cotyl
- pol6cotyl
- polyxotyl
- polyvotyl
Etymology of POLYCOTYL
The word "polycotyl" is derived from two Greek roots: "poly" meaning "many" and "kotyl" meaning "cavity" or "concave". The term "polycotyl" is used to describe a group of extinct marine reptiles known as polycotylid plesiosaurs, which had numerous concave sockets on their vertebrae. Plesiosaurs were large aquatic reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, and the name "polycotyl" highlights the distinctive feature of these particular plesiosaurs.
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