CROSSOPTERYGIAN Meaning and
Definition
-
Crossopterygian refers to a group of extinct lobe-finned fishes, also known as the coelacanths, belonging to the class Sarcopterygii. These fishes are characterized by having paired, lobed fins that possess a fleshy, muscular structure, similar in design to a limb. The name "crossopterygian" is derived from the Greek words "krossoi," meaning fringe, and "pteryx," meaning fin.
Crossopterygians first appeared during the Devonian period around 400 million years ago and were once believed to have gone extinct until a living coelacanth species was discovered in the 20th century. These ancient fishes had a body structure consisting of a thick, bony skeleton, a large head with a hinged jaw, and a tail with a symmetrical, lunate shape. Their flattened, paddle-like fins had skeletal supports, which were interpreted as precursors to the limbs of land-dwelling vertebrates.
The crossopterygians thrived in both marine and freshwater environments and likely played a significant role in the evolutionary transition of fishes to tetrapods. Their lobed fins enabled them to navigate through shallow waters and potentially venture onto land. The discovery of crossopterygian fossils has provided critical insights into the evolutionary history of vertebrates, particularly in understanding the origin and development of limbs. By studying these ancient fishes, scientists have gained valuable knowledge about the early stages of fish evolution and the emergence of tetrapods, including the first amphibians and subsequently reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Common Misspellings for CROSSOPTERYGIAN
- xrossopterygian
- vrossopterygian
- frossopterygian
- drossopterygian
- ceossopterygian
- cdossopterygian
- cfossopterygian
- ctossopterygian
- c5ossopterygian
- c4ossopterygian
- crissopterygian
- crkssopterygian
- crlssopterygian
- crpssopterygian
- cr0ssopterygian
- cr9ssopterygian
- croasopterygian
- crozsopterygian
- croxsopterygian
Etymology of CROSSOPTERYGIAN
The word "crossopterygian" is derived from the combination of two ancient Greek words: "krossoi" (meaning "fringe" or "fringed"), and "pteryx" (meaning "fin" or "wing"). The term was coined by the Scottish anatomist Sir Richard Owen in the mid-19th century to describe a group of prehistoric fish that possessed lobed or fleshy fins with limbs-like structures. These early fish are considered to be the ancestors of tetrapods, which include amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Thus, "crossopterygian" refers to the evolutionary connection of these ancient fish with terrestrial vertebrates.
Similar spelling word for CROSSOPTERYGIAN
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
