CERATITES Meaning and
Definition
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Ceratites is a noun that refers to a genus of extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the ammonite group. Ammonites are a group of coiled, shelled mollusks that lived between the Devonian and Cretaceous periods. Ceratites specifically thrived during the Triassic period, which lasted from approximately 251 million to 199 million years ago.
The name Ceratites comes from the Greek words "keras" meaning horn, and "ites" meaning belonging to, referring to the horn-like projections on its shell. These ancient cephalopods had a coiled, spiral-shaped shell that is often highly ornamented and characterized by prominent ribs or ridges. Their shells generally ranged in diameter from a few centimeters to over half a meter.
Ceratites were predominantly ocean-dwelling creatures and are known for their exceptional ability to adapt to various marine environments. They had a complex set of tentacles with which they grabbed prey and brought it towards their beak-like jaws for consumption. Like other ammonites, Ceratites likely played an essential role in marine ecosystems, serving as both predator and prey.
Today, Ceratites and other ammonites have become important fossils, providing valuable information about ancient marine life and the Earth's geological history. Scientists study their morphology, distribution, and extinction patterns to understand past environments and evolutionary processes. These fossils are highly sought after by collectors due to their intricate shell markings and aesthetic appeal.
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In geol., a genus of ammonitidae peculiar to the triassic strata.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CERATITES
- ceratyitis
- xeratites
- veratites
- feratites
- deratites
- cwratites
- csratites
- cdratites
- crratites
- c4ratites
- c3ratites
- ceeatites
- cedatites
- cefatites
- cetatites
- ce5atites
- ce4atites
- cerztites
- cerstites
- cerwtites
Etymology of CERATITES
The word "ceratites" has its roots in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek words "keras" (κέρας), meaning "horn", and "ites" (-ίτης), which is a suffix denoting a member of a particular group. In combination, "ceratites" translates to "horned one" or "horned creature". This term was used to name a genus of extinct cephalopod mollusks that had coiled shells with horn-like structures on their surface.
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