NUMMULINA Meaning and
Definition
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Nummulina is a term that refers to a type of marine protozoan, specifically a foraminifer, belonging to the genus Nummulites. These organisms are characterized by their distinct coin-shaped or disc-like shells, which measure from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The name "nummulina" is derived from the Latin word "nummulus," meaning coin, as their shells resemble small coins when viewed from the side.
Nummulina species are typically found in warm marine environments, such as reefs or shallow waters, and they have existed on Earth for millions of years. Fossil records suggest that nummulinas first appeared during the Paleocene epoch and thrived during the Eocene epoch. They played a significant role in the accumulation of limestone rocks, as their shells accumulated over time to form vast sedimentary deposits known as nummulitic limestone.
The shells of nummulinas consist of multiple chambers, each connected by small pores that allow for the movement of cytoplasm and pseudopodia. These pseudopodia serve as extensions of the organism and are used for locomotion and feeding. Nummulinas are primarily heterotrophic, feeding on organic matter, bacteria, and small particles by engulfing them through their pseudopodia.
Due to their abundance in ancient times, nummulinas have become valuable biostratigraphic markers for dating rocks and correlating geological strata across different regions. Their significance extends beyond the field of geology, as they have also been used in medicine and as architectural ornaments throughout history.
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An extensive class of fossil many-chambered organisms, so called from their general resemblance to a coin or piece of money, found in inconceivable numbers in the rocks of the Tertiary strata, called hence nummulitic limestone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NUMMULINA
- bummulina
- mummulina
- jummulina
- hummulina
- nymmulina
- nhmmulina
- njmmulina
- nimmulina
- n8mmulina
- n7mmulina
- nunmulina
- nukmulina
- nujmulina
- numnulina
- numkulina
- numjulina
- nummylina
- nummhlina
- nummjlina
- nummilina
Etymology of NUMMULINA
The word "nummulina" is derived from the Latin term "nummulus", which means "small coin". It comes from the diminutive form of the Latin word "nummus" meaning "coin". The suffix "-ina", often used in biology to denote an order or family, is added to indicate that it refers to a particular type of organism. In this case, "nummulina" refers to a genus of Foraminifera, a type of single-celled marine organism that has a disc-like shape resembling a coin, thus being named after its coin-like appearance.
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