ICHTHYOSAURUS Meaning and
Definition
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Ichthyosaurus is a term that refers to an extinct genus of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically during the Jurassic period. The word "ichthyosaurus" is derived from the Greek words "ichthys" meaning "fish" and "sauros" meaning "lizard". This name aptly describes the physical characteristics of these reptiles.
Ichthyosaurus had a streamlined, fish-like body, with a long snout, sharp teeth, and a dorsal fin. They had large eyes and were adapted for marine life, possessing flippers used for propulsion and navigation through water. Typically, they ranged in size from small, about a meter in length, to large, exceeding five meters in length.
These reptiles are important fossils in the field of paleontology due to their abundant presence in Jurassic marine deposits. The discovery of ichthyosaurus fossils played a significant role in shaping early interpretations of the history of life on Earth and helped scientists understand the concept of extinction. Their fossils have been found in various regions of the world, including Europe, South America, and Asia.
Ichthyosaurus thrived in marine environments and were euryhaline, meaning they could tolerate a wide range of salinity, allowing them to inhabit both freshwater and marine habitats. It is believed that they were active predators, feeding on fish and cephalopods. The extinction of ichthyosaurus occurred around 90-95 million years ago, towards the end of the Cretaceous period, probably due to changing environmental conditions and competition from newly evolved marine reptiles.
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In geol., the fish-lizard or reptile whales.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ICHTHYOSAURUS
- uchthyosaurus
- jchthyosaurus
- kchthyosaurus
- ochthyosaurus
- 9chthyosaurus
- 8chthyosaurus
- ixhthyosaurus
- ivhthyosaurus
- ifhthyosaurus
- idhthyosaurus
- icgthyosaurus
- icbthyosaurus
- icnthyosaurus
- icjthyosaurus
- icuthyosaurus
- icythyosaurus
- ichrhyosaurus
- ichfhyosaurus
- ichghyosaurus
Etymology of ICHTHYOSAURUS
The word "ichthyosaurus" is derived from two Ancient Greek words: "ichthys" meaning "fish" and "sauros" meaning "lizard". Thus, "ichthyosaurus" translates to "fish lizard". This term was used to describe an extinct marine reptile that lived during the Mesozoic Era and resembled a dolphin with a long snout and a body equipped for swimming.
Similar spelling words for ICHTHYOSAURUS
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