PTYCHODUS Meaning and
Definition
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Ptychodus refers to a genus of extinct cartilaginous fish that existed during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 95 to 85 million years ago. The term ptychodus is derived from the Greek words "ptyche," meaning "fold," and "odos," meaning "tooth," which accurately describes the distinctive appearance of their teeth.
These prehistoric creatures were part of the planktivorous (feeders on plankton) shark family and were renowned for their large size, with some species growing up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length. Ptychodus possessed a robust and elongated body, typical of most sharks, and could be distinguished by its unique dental structure. They featured distinctive cylindrical or rectangular-shaped teeth with crushing plates that were ideal for grinding up the shells of mollusks, their preferred diet.
Ptychodus fossils have been found in various regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Australia. Their abundance in the fossil record suggests that they were widely distributed and highly adaptable to different marine environments. These ancient sharks likely inhabited coastal waters, reefs, and shallow seas.
The study of ptychodus and its paleontology provides significant insights into the biodiversity and ecological interactions of ancient marine ecosystems during the Late Cretaceous period. Their impressive dentition and feeding adaptations serve as an important piece in the puzzle of understanding the natural history and evolution of these now-extinct fish species.
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In geol., a genus of fossil fish teeth found in the Chalk formation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PTYCHODUS
- otychodus
- ltychodus
- -tychodus
- 0tychodus
- prychodus
- pfychodus
- pgychodus
- pyychodus
- p6ychodus
- p5ychodus
- pttchodus
- ptgchodus
- pthchodus
- ptuchodus
- pt7chodus
- pt6chodus
- ptyxhodus
- ptyvhodus
- ptyfhodus
- ptydhodus
Etymology of PTYCHODUS
The word "ptychodus" comes from the Ancient Greek language. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "ptychos" (πτυχός) meaning "fold" or "wrinkle", and "odous" (ὀδούς) meaning "tooth". Therefore, "ptychodus" can be understood to mean "folded tooth" or "wrinkled tooth". This name was given to a group of extinct cartilaginous fish, known as Ptychodus, that lived during the Cretaceous period. These ancient creatures had unique tooth structures with distinct ridges or folds.
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