TURRITELLA Meaning and
Definition
-
Turritella is a term that refers to a group of marine gastropod mollusks within the family Turritellidae. These mollusks are characterized by their distinctive spiral-shaped shells, hence their name derived from the Latin word "turritus," meaning "turreted" or "tower-like." The shells exhibit a tall, slender structure, typically with numerous whorls that gradually increase in size as they spiral upward. The shells often possess fine ribbing or grooves, creating a textured appearance.
Turritella species are known to have a wide distribution, inhabiting various marine environments across the globe, including both shallow and deep waters. They can be found in oceans, seas, and fossilized remains of these mollusks can often be discovered in sedimentary rocks.
These gastropods are classified as carnivorous, utilizing a radula (a specialized feeding organ) to scrape algae, detritus, or small invertebrates from the surfaces of rocks or other substrates. As sedentary creatures, Turritella mollusks attach themselves firmly to these surfaces using a muscular foot and secrete a calcareous operculum to seal the shell's aperture when retracted.
Due to their distinctive shells and abundance in certain areas, Turritella species have gained popularity among collectors of seashells and fossil enthusiasts. Their unique morphology and rich fossil record have provided valuable insights into past marine ecosystems and geological history. Additionally, these mollusks hold significant paleontological importance as they can serve as index fossils, aiding in the dating and correlation of sedimentary layers.
-
In geol., a genus of marine gasteropods having a turriculated shape, the shell being elongated and many-whorled,-the living species are familiarly known as screw-shells, and have a world-wide distribution.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TURRITELLA
- rurritella
- furritella
- gurritella
- yurritella
- 6urritella
- 5urritella
- tyrritella
- thrritella
- tjrritella
- tirritella
- t8rritella
- t7rritella
- tueritella
- tudritella
- tufritella
- tutritella
- tu5ritella
- tu4ritella
- tureitella
- turditella
Etymology of TURRITELLA
The word "Turritella" has its origin in Latin. It is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "turris", meaning tower, and "tellus", meaning land or earth. The name "Turritella" is a reflection of the spiral shape of the fossil shell of these marine gastropod mollusks, resembling a small tower or turret.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
