HYPANTHOCRINUS Meaning and
Definition
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Hypanthocrinus is a genus of extinct crinoids that existed during the Paleozoic Era, specifically during the Devonian period. Crinoids, commonly known as sea lilies or feather stars, are marine animals that belong to the phylum Echinodermata.
Hypanthocrinus is characterized by its unique and distinctive physical features. It possessed a slender stalk called a column, which anchored it to the ocean floor, enabling it to filter-feed on organic particles and plankton in the water. At the top of the column, Hypanthocrinus had a calyx, which served as the body of the animal and housed various organs. The calyx was typically cup-shaped and comprised numerous small, fused plates that formed a protective casing.
Another notable characteristic of Hypanthocrinus is its long, delicate arms, often referred to as "feathers." These arms extended upwards from the calyx like a bouquet of flowers, enabling the crinoid to capture food particles from the water and transfer them to its mouth located at the center of the calyx.
Hypanthocrinus and other crinoids played a significant role in marine ecosystems during the Paleozoic Era. They were abundant and served as both filter-feeders and prey for larger marine organisms. Over time, however, many crinoids, including Hypanthocrinus, became extinct, with only a few modern species remaining today. The fossils of Hypanthocrinus provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history and ecology of ancient marine environments.
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In geol., a genus of rose-encrinites, so called from the flower-like contour of its receptacle and bifurcating arms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYPANTHOCRINUS
- hypanthocrints
- hypanthocrinu3
- hypanthocrinuc
- hypanthocrinuq
- hypanthocrinur
- hypanthoecrinus
- hypaunthocrinus
- h ypanthocrinus
- hypa nthocrinus
- hypan thocrinus
- hypant hocrinus
- hypanth ocrinus
- hypantho crinus
- hypanthoc rinus
- hypanthocr inus
- hypanthocri nus
- hypanthocrin us
- hypanthocrinu s
Etymology of HYPANTHOCRINUS
The word "hypanthocrinus" is a combination of two Greek roots: "hypó" meaning "under" or "below", and "ánthos" meaning "flower". The term "krī́nos" means "lily" or "lily flower" in Ancient Greek. Therefore, "hypanthocrinus" can be translated as "below the flower lily". It refers to a genus of extinct crinoids or sea lilies.
