Involutina is a term from paleontology that refers to a genus of foraminifera, unicellular marine organisms with a shell. The spelling of the word is unusual and may be unclear in pronunciation for many readers. It is pronounced /ɪnvoʊluːˈtaɪnə/ (in-voh-loo-TEE-nuh). The IPA transcription shows that the stress is on the second syllable, and the final "a" sound is pronounced as "uh." The term is important in paleontology and helps scientists understand past marine communities.
Involutina is a term primarily used in the field of paleontology to describe a type of fossilized organism found in marine sedimentary rocks. It refers to a group of benthic foraminifera, which are small single-celled organisms that typically reside on the ocean floor.
These extinct foraminifers are characterized by their shell or test, which is typically disc-shaped, coiled, or spiraled in shape. The term "involutina" is derived from the Latin word "involutus," meaning "rolled up" or "coiled."
Involutina specimens are often found in rocks dating back to the Mesozoic era, primarily the Late Cretaceous period. They have been discovered in various regions around the world, such as Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
As fossils, involutinas are valuable indicators for paleontologists studying ancient marine ecosystems. Their presence and abundance can provide insight into environmental conditions, including water depth, temperature, and salinity, during the time they inhabited the oceans.
In addition to their scientific significance, involutina fossils are also appreciated by fossil collectors and enthusiasts for their intricate and aesthetically pleasing shell structure. They often exhibit beautiful spiral patterns, making them visually appealing additions to any collection.
In geol., a genus of foraminifera, so called from the manner in which the tuberculated tube-like organism is coiled upon itself.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "involutina" comes from Latin. It is derived from the verb "involvere", which means "to envelop" or "to wrap up". The suffix "-tina" is a diminutive form, indicating that "involutina" is a small or diminutive version of something enveloping or wrapping. In the context of paleontology, "involutina" refers to a genus of fossilized foraminifera, which are small marine organisms with a spiral-shaped shell.