INOCERAMUS Meaning and
Definition
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Inoceramus is a genus of extinct marine bivalve mollusks that lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically in the late Cretaceous period. They were part of the family Inoceramidae, which is characterized by their large sizes and thick shells. The name "Inoceramus" is derived from the Greek words "inos," meaning "fiber" or "sinew," and "keramos," meaning "clay" or "potter's clay," referring to the clay-like texture of their shells.
These bivalves were known for their distinctive shape, which resembled a broad, circular disk with a prominent central plica, or ridged fold, running through the middle. Inoceramus shells were usually thick and heavy, and they exhibited a diverse range of growth patterns, often developing concentric ridges or nodes on the surface. The shells could grow to remarkable sizes, with some species reaching lengths of up to several feet.
Inoceramus was highly successful and widely distributed, occurring in both marine and inland environments. They are often found in fossil assemblages and are used by paleontologists as index fossils, helping to date and correlate rock layers during the late Cretaceous period. These bivalves were filter feeders, using their large gills to extract nutrients from the water. They likely played an important ecological role in the ancient seas, supporting a diverse array of organisms in their habitats.
Today, Inoceramus serves as an important indicator of past environments and is frequently studied to better understand the ancient ecosystems in which they lived.
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In geol., a genus of fossil bivalves belonging to the wing-shells or pearl oysters-so named from the fibrous structure of their shells.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INOCERAMUS
- unoceramus
- jnoceramus
- knoceramus
- onoceramus
- 9noceramus
- 8noceramus
- iboceramus
- imoceramus
- ijoceramus
- ihoceramus
- iniceramus
- inkceramus
- inlceramus
- inpceramus
- in0ceramus
- in9ceramus
- inoxeramus
- inoveramus
- inoferamus
Etymology of INOCERAMUS
The word "Inoceramus" originates from ancient Greek. It is derived from the combination of "inos" meaning "fibrous" or "marbled", and "keramos" meaning "potter" or "pottery". The name was given to a genus of extinct, fossilized marine bivalve mollusks, known for their intricate shell patterns and fibrous texture.
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