HIPPURITES Meaning and
Definition
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A hippurites refers to a type of fossilized seashell that belongs to the extinct group of marine organisms known as rudist bivalves. These bivalves were characterized by their unique conical or cylindrical shape, which resembled an elongated horn or tusk. The term hippurites is derived from the Greek word "hippos," meaning horse, alluding to the shape of the shell resembling a horse's hoof or tooth.
Hippurites lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 65 to 100 million years ago. They were primarily found in ancient shallow tropical seas, forming massive colonies that contributed to the formation of substantial reef structures. These colonies were composed of individual shell tubes cemented together, often in a spiral or helical arrangement. The shells were made of calcium carbonate and had a distinctive outer ornamentation, usually consisting of ribs or ridges, which facilitated the strengthening and preservation of the structure.
The size of hippurites varied, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in length, with some species reaching impressive sizes. These shells were inhabited by small organisms called bivalvotrophic foraminifera, which were intertidal-dwelling protists that symbiotically lived within the tubes of the hippurites. They formed mutualistic relationships, benefiting from the nutrients and shelter provided by the shell while aiding in its calcification.
Today, hippurites fossils are highly valued in paleontological research, as they provide valuable insights into past marine ecosystems and environmental conditions. These shell fossils serve as important indicators of ancient sea levels, water depths, and paleogeography, helping scientists reconstruct the Earth's history during the Late Cretaceous period.
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In geol., a genus of coal-measure plants, so called from their close resemblance to the common hippuris, or mares tail of our marshes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HIPPURITES
- hipurite
- hippurite
- gippurites
- bippurites
- nippurites
- jippurites
- uippurites
- yippurites
- huppurites
- hjppurites
- hkppurites
- hoppurites
- h9ppurites
- h8ppurites
- hiopurites
- hilpurites
- hi-purites
- hi0purites
- hipourites
- hiplurites
Etymology of HIPPURITES
The word "hippurites" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "hippúris" (ἱπποῦρις), which means "horse-tail" or "mare's tail". This term was adopted in relation to the fossilized shells of ammonites that resemble the shape of a horse's or mare's tail. "Hippurites" is primarily used to refer to a genus of extinct cephalopod mollusks that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
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