CIDARITES Meaning and
Definition
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Cidarites refers to a group of extinct marine echinoderms that were part of the phylum Echinodermata, class Echinoidea. These ancient organisms were known for their distinctive appearance, typically characterized by a spherical or slightly elongated body covered in a protective shell made up of solid, interlocking plates known as ossicles. The ossicles of cidarites were unique in that they formed large, robust, and pointed spines, which provided the organisms with defense and protection from predators.
Cidarites were primarily benthic creatures, meaning they inhabited the ocean floor, and were found in various marine environments ranging from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats. Their diet is believed to have consisted of algae, detritus, and other small organic matter they could find near the seafloor.
These organisms lived during the Mesozoic Era, particularly the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, and had a global distribution, with fossils being discovered in different parts of the world. Their abundance and diversity during this era suggest that cidarites played an important role in the marine ecosystems of that time.
Today, cidarites are considered to be extinct, with no living representatives. Their fossils serve as valuable evidence for paleontologists and researchers studying ancient marine ecosystems and the evolutionary history of echinoderms.
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In geol., a genus of the family of sea-urchins furnished with long curiously-ornamented spines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CIDARITES
- siderites
- xidarites
- vidarites
- fidarites
- didarites
- cudarites
- cjdarites
- ckdarites
- codarites
- c9darites
- c8darites
- cisarites
- cixarites
- cicarites
- cifarites
- cirarites
- ciearites
- cidzrites
- cidsrites
- cidwrites
