PROCOELIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Procoelian is an adjective that is used in the field of paleontology to describe a specific anatomical feature related to an ancient group of reptiles called procolophonoids. Procolophonoids were a diverse group of small, lizard-like reptiles that lived during the Triassic period, which occurred approximately 251 to 199 million years ago.
The term "procoelian" refers to the unique shape of the vertebral centrum – the central part of a vertebra – in these reptiles. A procoelian centrum is characterized by its concave anterior surface and convex posterior surface, creating a distinctive saddle-like shape. This anatomical feature is commonly found in the fossils of procolophonoids and is one of the key distinguishing characteristics used to identify and classify them.
The procoelian centrum offers important insights into the evolutionary adaptations and lifestyles of these ancient reptiles. It is thought to have provided increased flexibility and mobility to their spines, possibly allowing them to adopt different body postures and maneuver through different types of environments. Paleontologists study the procoelian structure in procolophonoid fossils to better understand the evolutionary history and ecological role of these reptiles during the Triassic period.
In summary, the term "procoelian" describes a specific anatomical feature of a reptile's vertebra, characterized by a concave anterior surface and convex posterior surface. It is primarily used in the context of procolophonoids, a group of ancient reptiles that lived during the Triassic period.
Common Misspellings for PROCOELIAN
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