ORTHOCANTHUS Meaning and
Definition
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Orthocanthus refers to a genus of extinct prehistoric sharks that lived during the late Carboniferous to late Permian periods, approximately 340 to 250 million years ago. It belongs to the family Orthacanthidae, characterized by their elongated, eel-like bodies and distinctive fin structure.
These sharks were relatively large, with lengths ranging from 6 to 10 feet. They had a slender appearance, a straight, elongated snout, and small, sharp teeth well-suited for hunting. The name "Orthocanthus" is derived from the Greek words "orthos" meaning straight and "akantha" meaning spine, referring to the straight spine-like structure on its back.
Orthocanthus inhabited both freshwater and brackish environments, navigating shallow coastal waters and partially submerged river systems. It is believed that they were opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of fish, small aquatic reptiles, and amphibians. These sharks played an important role in the ancient aquatic ecosystems as top predators, ensuring the balance of the food chain.
Fossil remains of Orthocanthus have been discovered in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. The detailed analysis of these fossils has provided valuable insights into the evolutionary history of sharks and the ecosystems they inhabited during the Paleozoic era.
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In geol., a genus of straight, cylindrical, fossil fin-spines, found in the Carboniferous formation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ORTHOCANTHUS
- irthocanthus
- krthocanthus
- lrthocanthus
- prthocanthus
- 0rthocanthus
- 9rthocanthus
- oethocanthus
- odthocanthus
- ofthocanthus
- otthocanthus
- o5thocanthus
- o4thocanthus
- orrhocanthus
- orfhocanthus
- orghocanthus
- oryhocanthus
- or6hocanthus
- or5hocanthus
- ortgocanthus
- ortbocanthus
Etymology of ORTHOCANTHUS
The word "Orthocanthus" is derived from the Greek words "ortho" meaning "straight" or "upright", and "acanthus" meaning "spine" or "thorn". The term refers to a genus of extinct freshwater sharks that lived from the Triassic to the Early Cretaceous periods. The name "Orthocanthus" was coined by the Swiss paleontologist Louis Agassiz in 1843 to describe the characteristic straight spines found on the leading edges of the dorsal fins of these ancient sharks.
