Pronunciation: [hˈɒməzˌə͡ʊɪk] (IPA) 
The word "homozoic" is spelled with six letters and three syllables. It is pronounced as /hɒməˈzəʊɪk/ with stress on the second syllable. The "h" is silent, so the word starts with the "o" sound. The "m" is followed by the short "o" sound, and the "z" is pronounced as "zuh." The "o" in the fourth letter is also short, and the "i" is pronounced as "eye." The last syllable "ic" is pronounced as "ik."
Homozoic is an adjective derived from the combination of the Greek words "homo" meaning "same" or "similar" and "zoikos" meaning "pertaining to animals." This term is primarily used in the field of paleontology and refers to a particular sedimentary rock layer that contains a consistent and similar assemblage of animal fossils.
In a more specific sense, homozoic describes a layer of rock strata that represents a period in geological time when there was minimal or no change in the types of animal species present. It implies an ecological stability or continuity where the composition of the animal community remains relatively constant. The homogeneity of the fossil assemblage in a homozoic layer suggests that the conditions under which these animals lived were relatively consistent over a prolonged period.
Since the term primarily pertains to animal fossils, it may be used interchangeably with the term "zoocenotic," which refers to a distinct faunal assemblage found in certain rock layers. By studying homozoic layers, paleontologists can gain valuable insights into the ancient environmental conditions, the types of ecosystems that existed, and the stability or changes in biodiversity over time.
Overall, homozoic describes a specific type of sedimentary rock layer characterized by the presence of a consistent and unchanging assemblage of animal fossils, offering clues about the ancient environment and ecological dynamics of a given period.
Relating to the same animal or the same species of animal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "homozoic" is a combination of two Greek roots: "homo-" and "zoic".
The prefix "homo-" comes from the Greek word "homos", meaning "same" or "similar". It is commonly used in words related to sameness, similarity, or identity.
The root "zoic" comes from the Greek word "zōion", meaning "animal". It is used to refer to something related to animals or animal life.
Therefore, the word "homozoic" combines these two roots to indicate something that is related to or similar to animal life.
