The word "Euomphalus" is a genus of extinct marine gastropod mollusks. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /juːˈɒmfələs/. The spelling of "Euomphalus" is derived from Greek, with "eu" meaning "good" or "well", "omphalos" meaning "navel", and "alus" indicating a diminutive. The combination of these root words gives us "Euomphalus", which roughly translates to "well-navelled little one". This particular spelling is important to accurately identify and classify this genus among other mollusks in the fossil record.
Euomphalus refers to a specific type of coiled or spiral-shaped shell found in the fossil record. The term originates from the Greek words "eu" meaning well or good, and "omphalos" meaning navel or umbilicus. This name alludes to the prominent umbilical or central depression that characterizes the shell of Euomphalus fossils.
Euomphalus shells are typically found in marine sediments and are associated with various extinct animal groups, such as gastropods or ammonoids. These organisms lived from the Paleozoic era, specifically the late Silurian to early Permian period, approximately 440 to 252 million years ago. The shells of Euomphalus exhibit a spiral coil with a deep, open umbilical area, and a narrow aperture or opening.
The exact classification and taxonomy of Euomphalus are often debated due to variations in shell morphology and the presence of similar genera. However, the unique characteristics of Euomphalus shells, including the prominent depression and tightly coiled structure, aid in their identification within the fossil record.
Euomphalus fossils serve as valuable indicators in paleontological studies, providing important insights into ancient marine ecosystems and evolutionary patterns. They contribute to the understanding of past biodiversity, climate, and geological events, enabling scientists to reconstruct Earth's history and interpret the fossilized remains of various organisms that once inhabited our planet.
In geol., a whorled discoidal shell, having the whorls angular or coronated.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word Euomphalus originates from the Greek language. It is a compound word consisting of the Greek terms eu meaning good or well and omphalos meaning navel or umbilicus. Therefore, Euomphalus translates to well-formed umbilicus or good navel.