LABYRINTHODONTS Meaning and
Definition
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Labyrinthodonts refer to a group of extinct amphibians that existed from the Devonian period to the Triassic period. The term "labyrinthodont" originates from the Greek words "labyrinthos," meaning labyrinth or maze, and "odontos," meaning tooth. It accurately describes the unique structure of their teeth, which are characterized by a complex pattern of infoldings and convolutions, resembling a labyrinth-like maze.
These amphibians were predominantly aquatic and include some of the earliest land-dwelling vertebrates. Labyrinthodonts had a diverse range of body sizes and shapes, with some species resembling eels, while others were more lizard-like or salamander-like. They possessed four limbs and were capable of both walking on land and swimming in water.
One of the distinctive features of labyrinthodonts is the presence of bony plates in their skulls, known as dermal bones, that formed an intricate network of sutures. This unique cranial structure provided protection to the brain and played a role in maintaining the strength and rigidity of their skulls.
Labyrinthodonts were also characterized by a specialized pulmonary respiration system, which allowed them to respire efficiently in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. They laid eggs in water, and their larvae had external gills, transitioning to lungs as they developed into adults.
These amphibians were notable inhabitants of the Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras and played a significant role in the evolutionary history of vertebrates by giving rise to more advanced amphibians and eventually leading to the emergence of reptiles.
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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 LABYRINTHODONTS
- kabyrinthodonts
- pabyrinthodonts
- oabyrinthodonts
- lzbyrinthodonts
- lsbyrinthodonts
- lwbyrinthodonts
- lqbyrinthodonts
- lavyrinthodonts
- lanyrinthodonts
- lahyrinthodonts
- lagyrinthodonts
- labtrinthodonts
- labgrinthodonts
- labhrinthodonts
- laburinthodonts
- lab7rinthodonts
- lab6rinthodonts
- labyeinthodonts
- labydinthodonts
- labyfinthodonts
Etymology of LABYRINTHODONTS
The word "labyrinthodonts" is derived from two Greek words: "labyrinthos" (λαβύρινθος) meaning "labyrinth" and "odontos" (ὀδούς) meaning "tooth". When combined, it forms "labyrinthodonts", which refers to a group of extinct amphibians.
This name was given to them in the early 19th century by Sir Richard Owen, an English anatomist and paleontologist. Owen coined the term because the teeth of these amphibians featured intricate, labyrinthine patterns on their enamel, resembling a labyrinth when seen in cross-section. This dental feature is characteristic of labyrinthodonts and served as the basis for naming the group.
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