CHEIROLEPIS Meaning and
Definition
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Cheirolepis is a genus of extinct fish that lived during the Devonian period, approximately 400 to 360 million years ago. It belongs to the group of primitive bony fishes known as the actinopterygians, which are characterized by their ray-finned fins. Cheirolepis was one of the earliest vertebrates to possess true, well-developed bony fin rays.
The name "Cheirolepis" is derived from the Greek words "cheiros" meaning "hand" and "lepis" meaning "scale," referring to the distinctive scale structure resembling a handprint. This genus is particularly important in the study of early fish evolution because it contains features that are transitional between more primitive fish and the more advanced ray-finned fishes.
Cheirolepis had a streamlined body shape with lobed, fleshy pectoral fins that helped it maneuver in the water. It was relatively small in size, measuring between 10 to 30 centimeters in length. The fish had a heterocercal tail fin, where the upper lobe was larger than the lower lobe. Its head was equipped with jaws filled with sharp teeth, indicating a predatory lifestyle.
The fossils of Cheirolepis have been found in various regions around the world, including Scotland, Canada, and South America. By studying these fossils, paleontologists have gained important insights into the early evolution of bony fishes and the anatomical adaptations that eventually led to the diversity of fish species we see today.
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A fossil fish having lozenge-shaped scales, and a great development of its pectoral and ventral fins.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CHEIROLEPIS
- xheirolepis
- vheirolepis
- fheirolepis
- dheirolepis
- cgeirolepis
- cbeirolepis
- cneirolepis
- cjeirolepis
- cueirolepis
- cyeirolepis
- chwirolepis
- chsirolepis
- chdirolepis
- chrirolepis
- ch4irolepis
- ch3irolepis
- cheurolepis
- chejrolepis
- chekrolepis
- cheorolepis
Etymology of CHEIROLEPIS
The word "Cheirolepis" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words: "cheir" meaning "hand" and "lepis" meaning "scale". Thus, "Cheirolepis" literally translates to "hand scale" or "scaly hand". This name was given to a genus of extinct fish that lived during the Devonian period. The specific name was chosen because this fish had distinctive pectoral fins with unique scale patterns resembling a hand.
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