PALAECHINIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Palaechinidae is a taxonomic family of ancient echinoderms belonging to the order of Archaeocidaroida. These organisms existed during the Paleozoic era, particularly in the Lower and Middle Ordovician periods.
Members of the Palaechinidae family are characterized by a unique body structure consisting of a spherical or ovoid test, which is the rigid outer covering made up of calcite plates. This test is often covered with numerous sharp, bulbous tubercles that serve as protective structures. The test is divided into several plates, including the periproctal plate, which surrounds the anus, and the oral frame, which is located around the mouth.
These ancient echinoderms also possess a five-part symmetry, with the body organized into five regions or ambulacra. Each ambulacrum contains rows of small, tube-like structures called podia, which are used for locomotion and feeding. Palaechinidae echinoderms are believed to have been primarily sessile filter feeders, meaning they attached themselves to the substrate and captured food particles from the surrounding water.
Although members of the Palaechinidae family are now extinct, their fossilized remains provide valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of echinoderms during the early periods of Earth's history. Their unique body structures and ecological roles have helped scientists understand the ancient marine ecosystems they inhabited and contributed to the broader understanding of evolutionary patterns within the echinoderm lineage.
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In geol., a genus or family of fossil sea-urchins, found in the Carboniferous limestone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PALAECHINIDAE
- oalaechinidae
- lalaechinidae
- -alaechinidae
- 0alaechinidae
- pzlaechinidae
- pslaechinidae
- pwlaechinidae
- pqlaechinidae
- pakaechinidae
- papaechinidae
- paoaechinidae
- palzechinidae
- palsechinidae
- palwechinidae
- palqechinidae
- palawchinidae
- palaschinidae
- paladchinidae
- palarchinidae
- pala4chinidae
Etymology of PALAECHINIDAE
The word "palaechinidae" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms: "palaio" and "echinos".
- "Palaio" (Παλαιό) means "ancient" or "old" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "palaion" (παλαιόν), which means "ancient" or "old".
- "Echinos" (ἐχῖνος) means "hedgehog" or "spiny" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "ekhinos" (ἐχῖνος), which means "hedgehog" or "spiny".
The suffix "-idae" denotes a family taxonomic rank, usually used for classifying groups of organisms.
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