PALEECHINOIDEA Meaning and
Definition
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Paleechinoidea is a term used in the field of paleontology to refer to a class of extinct echinoderms that lived in marine environments during the Ordovician period, approximately 488 to 443 million years ago. The word "Paleechinoidea" is derived from the Greek words "paleo" meaning ancient, and "echino" meaning spiny, combined with the suffix "-oidea" indicating a resemblance or connection.
Members of the Paleechinoidea were characterized by their spherical or elongated bodies covered in a hard, calcareous exoskeleton, which was adorned with numerous spines. These spines were often long and slender, radiating outwards to form an elaborate external structure. This exoskeleton provided protection and support for the organism. Paleechinoids had a symmetrical five-fold radial body plan, reminiscent of modern-day sea urchins.
Paleechinoids were benthic organisms, meaning they lived on the ocean floor, and their bodies were adapted to life in relatively shallow water. They likely had a diet consisting of organic matter and microorganisms they encountered in the sediment. Fossil evidence suggests that Paleechinoids were relatively abundant, with a wide distribution across various continents during the Ordovician period.
Studying the fossil record of Paleechinoids provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history and biodiversity of ancient marine ecosystems. Their well-preserved remains and unique morphological features make them important index fossils, aiding in dating and correlating geological strata.
Common Misspellings for PALEECHINOIDEA
- oaleechinoidea
- laleechinoidea
- -aleechinoidea
- 0aleechinoidea
- pzleechinoidea
- psleechinoidea
- pwleechinoidea
- pqleechinoidea
- pakeechinoidea
- papeechinoidea
- paoeechinoidea
- palwechinoidea
- palsechinoidea
- paldechinoidea
- palrechinoidea
- pal4echinoidea
- pal3echinoidea
- palewchinoidea
- paleschinoidea
- paledchinoidea
Etymology of PALEECHINOIDEA
The word "Paleechinoidea" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "paleos" meaning "ancient", and "echinos" meaning "hedgehog" or "spiny". The suffix "-oidea" in scientific terminology is commonly used to indicate a superfamily or group of organisms. Therefore, "Paleechinoidea" refers to an ancient group of marine animals that share similarities with hedgehogs or spiny creatures. These animals are commonly known as "sea urchins" in English.
