CROSSOPTERYGII Meaning and
Definition
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Crossopterygii is a taxonomic group of ancient fish characterized by their lobed fins, which contained bony structures that resemble the bones found in the limbs of terrestrial vertebrates. The term "crossopterygii" is derived from the Greek words "krossoi," meaning fringe, and "pterygion," meaning fin. Additionally, they are commonly referred to as lobe-finned fish.
These fish first appeared during the Devonian period, around 416 million years ago, and were abundant during the Carboniferous period. Crossopterygii displayed a range of sizes, from small species measuring just a few centimeters to larger species exceeding several meters in length.
One of the most well-known members of Crossopterygii is the coelacanth, a group of fish that were long thought to be extinct until a live specimen was discovered in 1938. Other notable examples include the lungfish and the Osteolepis. The lobed fins of crossopterygii were likely adapted for both swimming and navigating through shallow waters, but they were unsuitable for fast and agile movements.
Crossopterygii played a crucial evolutionary role as their lobed fins are believed to have provided the foundation for the development of limbs in terrestrial vertebrates. This group represents a key transitional form in the evolution from fish to land-dwelling animals, bridging the gap between aquatic and terrestrial existence. The fossil record of crossopterygii provides valuable insights into the emergence and diversification of early tetrapods.
Common Misspellings for CROSSOPTERYGII
- xrossopterygii
- vrossopterygii
- frossopterygii
- drossopterygii
- ceossopterygii
- cdossopterygii
- cfossopterygii
- ctossopterygii
- c5ossopterygii
- c4ossopterygii
- crissopterygii
- crkssopterygii
- crlssopterygii
- crpssopterygii
- cr0ssopterygii
- cr9ssopterygii
- croasopterygii
- crozsopterygii
- croxsopterygii
Etymology of CROSSOPTERYGII
The word "Crossopterygii" is derived from Greek roots. It combines two Greek words:
1. "krosso-", meaning "fringe" or "tassel".
2. "pteryx", meaning "wing" or "fin".
The term "Crossopterygii" refers to a class of bony fishes that includes the coelacanths, which are characterized by having paired fins with lobed structures. The name "Crossopterygii" thus describes their fringe-like or tassel-like fins, distinguishing them from other types of fish.
Similar spelling word for CROSSOPTERYGII
