Pronunciation: [jˈʊ͡əɹət͡ʃəɹəz] (IPA) 
The word "urocheras" is spelled with the following IPA phonetic transcription: ˌjʊərəʊˈkɛrəs. The first syllable is pronounced with a "yu" sound, like in the word "cute." The second syllable has a long "o" sound, like in the word "goat." The third syllable begins with a hard "k" sound, followed by a short "e" sound, like in "pet." The final syllable has a stress on the "ra" and ends with an "us" sound, like in "genus."
Urocheras is a term commonly used in the field of paleontology and zoology to refer to a group of extinct marine organisms that belong to the order of cephalopods. Cephalopods are a diverse class of mollusks that typically possess bilateral body symmetry, tentacles, and a well-developed head.
The urocheras specifically pertain to the chambered shells or calcareous structures that formed part of the internal skeleton of certain cephalopods. These structures were primarily found in the lower parts of the body, near the anus or posterior.
The term "urocheras" is derived from the Greek words "oura," meaning "tail," and "kheras," meaning "horn" or "shell." This reflects the specific nature and location of these structures within the organism's anatomy.
Urocheras played an essential role in supporting and protecting the internal organs of cephalopods. They acted as a buoyancy control device, allowing the animal to adjust its position in the water column. The urocheras were usually composed of calcium carbonate, providing sturdy support and helping maintain stability in the animal's movement.
Due to the fossilization process, urocheras have been well-preserved in the fossil record. Therefore, they serve as important indicators for studying the morphology, evolution, and diversity of ancient cephalopods, helping scientists reconstruct their paleoecology, behavior, and evolutionary relationships.
Overall, urocheras are significant structures that have contributed to our understanding of the fascinating world of cephalopods and their place in the history of life on Earth.
Uropsammus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
