RADIOLITES Meaning and
Definition
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Radiolites is a term used to refer to a group of extinct coral-like marine organisms belonging to the family Tetracorallia. It is also the genus name for these organisms, which are commonly found as fossilized remains. Radiolites lived during the Mesozoic Era, particularly in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
The Radiolites genus belongs to the order Scleractinia, commonly known as stony corals. These ancient organisms had a distinct bivalve-like structure with a prominent central opening known as a calice where the soft tissue was housed. They typically formed massive colonies that often reached considerable sizes, with some fossils being several meters in diameter.
The exterior surface of Radiolites colonies exhibits a distinct pattern of ridges and furrows that were likely used for the attachment of tentacles and other soft tissues. These features also provided structural support to the colony. The internal structure of Radiolites comprises numerous interconnected chambers known as corallites. These corallites are responsible for the deposition of skeletal material, which mainly consists of calcite.
Radiolites colonies were important contributors to the development of ancient reef ecosystems, as they provided a habitat for a diverse array of marine life. The fossilized remains of Radiolites are commonly found in marine sedimentary rocks, particularly limestone formations. They serve as valuable paleontological indicators, aiding in the understanding of ancient marine environments, as well as the evolutionary history and ecology of coral species.
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In geol., a genus of cretaceous bivalves-so called from the radiated structure of the outer layer of their opercular-looking upper valves.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RADIOLITES
- radiolits
- eadiolites
- dadiolites
- fadiolites
- tadiolites
- 5adiolites
- 4adiolites
- rzdiolites
- rsdiolites
- rwdiolites
- rqdiolites
- rasiolites
- raxiolites
- raciolites
- rafiolites
- rariolites
- raeiolites
- raduolites
- radjolites
- radkolites
Etymology of RADIOLITES
The word "Radiolites" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
The Latin term "radius" means "ray" or "spoke", while "lithos" means "stone". Combining these two roots, "radiolites" translates to "rayed stone" or "stone with rays".
This term was originally used to describe fossilized corals, particularly those that exhibit a radial or star-shaped appearance due to their external skeletal structure. "Radiolites" subsequently became a common name used by paleontologists to refer to a genus of extinct coral-like organisms found in ancient marine deposits.
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