LABYRINTHODONTIA Meaning and
Definition
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Labyrinthodontia is a taxonomic group of extinct amphibians that flourished during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. The term originates from the Greek words "labyrinthos," meaning maze or labyrinth, and "odontia," meaning teeth, which refers to the complex folding and pitting patterns found on the teeth of these creatures.
These labyrinthodonts are characterized by their distinctive dentition, consisting of intricate enamel folds, ridges, and pits on their teeth, which resemble the convoluted patterns found in a maze. The complex dental structure of labyrinthodonts allowed for greater efficiency in feeding, as these teeth were well-adapted for gripping and crushing prey.
Labyrinthodontia encompassed a diverse group of semiaquatic and terrestrial amphibians, ranging in size from small to large. They exhibited a range of body shapes, from long and slender to stout and heavily built. Many species had strong limbs and were capable of limited locomotion on land, but the majority of their time was spent in water.
During their heyday, labyrinthodonts were widely distributed across different continents, inhabiting freshwater environments such as swamps, lakes, or rivers. Some even ventured into saltwater habitats, making them one of the earliest tetrapods to adapt to marine life. They were a dominant group of vertebrates during the Carboniferous and Permian periods but gradually declined in abundance and diversity during the Triassic.
With their distinctive dental characteristics and overall ecological significance, labyrinthodonts play a crucial role in our understanding of vertebrate evolution and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.
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One of the thirteen orders into which Professor Owen arranges the reptilia, living and extinct-so named from the complex structure of the teeth as seen in section.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LABYRINTHODONTIA
- kabyrinthodontia
- pabyrinthodontia
- oabyrinthodontia
- lzbyrinthodontia
- lsbyrinthodontia
- lwbyrinthodontia
- lqbyrinthodontia
- lavyrinthodontia
- lanyrinthodontia
- lahyrinthodontia
- lagyrinthodontia
- labtrinthodontia
- labgrinthodontia
- labhrinthodontia
- laburinthodontia
- lab7rinthodontia
- lab6rinthodontia
- labyeinthodontia
- labydinthodontia
Etymology of LABYRINTHODONTIA
The word "labyrinthodontia" is derived from Ancient Greek roots. Specifically, it combines the words "labyrinthos" (λαβύρινθος), meaning "labyrinth", and "odontos" (ὀδούς), meaning "tooth". The term was coined by the French paleontologist Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville in 1835 to describe a group of extinct amphibians that possessed labyrinthine tooth structure. These ancient amphibians had complex, folded, and infolded enamel patterns on their teeth, resembling intricate labyrinths, which led to the creation of the term "labyrinthodontia".
Similar spelling words for LABYRINTHODONTIA
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