"Glottalite" is an uncommon word, referring to rocks formed by the accumulation of materials around the glottis of certain marine organisms. Its spelling is guided by the pronunciations of its constituent sounds. This word starts with the "glottal" sound, representing the constriction of airflow through the glottis, and is followed by the "l" sound. The second half of the word contains the "-ite" suffix, which indicates a mineral, and is pronounced as "eye-t". Therefore, the word is pronounced as [ɡlɑtəlaɪt].
Glottalite is a term used in the field of paleontology to describe a specific type of fossil that represents the preserved remains of the vocal apparatus of extinct vertebrate animals. Specifically, glottalites are the fossilized structures and remnants of the larynx, trachea, or other parts of the respiratory system associated with sound production.
These unusual fossilized specimens are of great interest to researchers as they provide valuable insights into the vocalizations and communication abilities of ancient species. By examining glottalites, paleontologists can gain a deeper understanding of the sounds that these extinct animals were capable of producing, which in turn informs our knowledge of their behaviors and social interactions.
Glottalites can take various forms, such as preserved cartilages, bones, or soft tissues associated with airflow regulation and sound generation. Due to the delicate nature of these structures and their likelihood of decay, the preservation of glottalites is relatively rare in the fossil record, making their discovery even more significant.
The study of glottalites not only contributes to the overall understanding of prehistoric organisms but also helps bridge the gap between the anatomical structures of ancient animals and the vocal abilities observed in their living descendants. Ultimately, these fossils aid in reconstructing the acoustic environments and vocalizations of ancient ecosystems, shedding light on the diverse and complex soundscape of the past.
A mineral occurring in small aggregated and irregular white or colourless crystals near Port Glasgow, on the Clyde.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.