SPINIFERITES Meaning and
Definition
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Spiniferites is a term used in the field of paleontology and micropaleontology to refer to a group of fossilized, marine, single-celled organisms known as dinoflagellates. These organisms are characterized by their distinct shape and surface ornamentation.
Specifically, spiniferites are often described as spherical or oval-shaped structures composed of thick-walled, resistant cysts. The outer wall of spiniferites is covered in spines or protrusions, hence the name "spiniferites," which translates to "spiny bearing" in Latin. These spines vary in length and shape, allowing for different species to be identified based on their unique patterns.
Spiniferites cysts are commonly found in sediments, particularly in marine environments such as oceans and seas. They can be preserved over long periods of time due to their durable structure, making them valuable tools for reconstructing past marine ecosystems and studying paleoenvironmental changes.
Researchers study spiniferites by extracting the cysts from sediment cores collected from the seabed, analyzing their morphological features and comparing them to existing taxonomic keys. By doing so, they can identify the species present and gain insights into the ancient environments in which these dinoflagellates thrived.
Overall, spiniferites are important microfossils that provide valuable information about past marine ecosystems and play a crucial role in understanding paleoenvironmental conditions.
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In geol., a term applied to those minute spherical bodies beset with spines which occur in the chalk and flint.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPINIFERITES
- spiniferitas
- spiniferitgs
- spiniferite3
- spiniferitec
- spiniferiteq
- spiniferiter
- spieniferites
- spi niferites
- spin iferites
- spini ferites
- spinif erites
- spinife rites
- spinifer ites
- spiniferi tes
- spiniferit es
- spiniferite s
Etymology of SPINIFERITES
The word "spiniferites" is derived from two components: "spini-" and "-ferites".
1. "Spini-": This refers to "spina", a Latin word meaning "spine" or "thorn". It is used to indicate that a particular organism or structure possesses spines or thorny projections.
2. "- Ferites": This component is derived from the Latin word "ferre", meaning "to bear" or "to carry". It denotes that the organism or structure carries or possesses the characteristics or features mentioned in the first component.
Therefore, "spiniferites" can be understood to mean a structure or organism that possesses spines, thorny projections, or similar features.
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