ASTEROPHYLLITES Meaning and
Definition
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Asterophyllites are fossils of extinct plants that belong to the genus Asterophyllites. They are commonly found in sedimentary rocks from the Carboniferous and Devonian periods, which range from about 359 to 299 million years ago.
Asterophyllites are characterized by their distinctive leaf-like structures, which have a narrow, elongated shape with several parallel veins running along their length. These leaves are arranged in whorls or clusters along the stems of the plants. They are typically preserved as compressions or impressions in the rock, allowing researchers to study their detailed morphology.
The name "asterophyllites" is derived from the Greek words "aster," meaning star, and "phyllon," meaning leaf. This name accurately describes the appearance of the plant's leaves, which resemble stars due to the pattern formed by the parallel veins.
The plants that bear asterophyllites are believed to be primitive relatives of modern horsetails, and they likely had similar growth habits. They possessed jointed stems, which grew in a vertical manner, and the leaves were attached to these stems at regular intervals. Asterophyllites were likely water-dwelling plants, inhabiting swamps and wetland environments.
Studying asterophyllites is crucial for understanding the paleobiology and evolutionary history of ancient plant species. By analyzing their fossilized remains, paleobotanists can gain insights into the morphology, growth patterns, and ecological adaptations of these ancient plants.
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Fossil plants found abundantly in the coal-measures, having star-like whorls of linear leaves.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ASTEROPHYLLITES
- asterophyllitus
- asterophyllitms
- asterophyllitas
- asterophyllitgs
- asterophyllitec
- asterophylliteq
- a sterophyllites
- as terophyllites
- ast erophyllites
- aste rophyllites
- aster ophyllites
- asteroph yllites
- asterophy llites
- asterophyl lites
- asterophyll ites
- asterophylli tes
- asterophyllit es
- asterophyllite s
Etymology of ASTEROPHYLLITES
The word "asterophyllites" is derived from two roots: "astero-" and "-phyllites".
The root "astero-" comes from the Greek word "aster", meaning "star". This root is often used in scientific terms referring to something that resembles or is related to a star.
The suffix "-phyllites" originates from the Greek word "phyllon", which means "leaf". This suffix is commonly used in scientific names to denote a plant or organism that is leaf-like or has leaf-like structures.
Therefore, "asterophyllites" can be broken down as follows: "astero-" (meaning "star") + "-phyllites" (meaning "leaf"), indicating that the word is used to describe a plant or organism with leaf-like structures resembling stars.
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