OSTEOLEPIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Osteolepis is an extinct genus of primitive lobe-finned fish belonging to the family Tristichopteridae, which lived during the Late Devonian period, approximately 380-360 million years ago. The name "Osteolepis" is derived from the Greek words "osteo," meaning bone, and "lepis," meaning scale. This genus is primarily known from fossilized remains that have been discovered in various locations around the world, including Europe, North America, and Africa.
Osteolepis was a relatively small fish, averaging around 20-30 centimeters in length, with a slender body and long, lobed fins that were likely used for both swimming and walking on the sea floor. It possessed a characteristic bony exoskeleton consisting of overlapping ganoid scales, which provided protection and reduced water friction. The head of Osteolepis was equipped with sharp teeth and eyes positioned on the sides, suggesting it was a predator that relied on vision to locate prey.
As a member of the Tristichopteridae family, Osteolepis was a significant representation of transitional forms between fish and early tetrapods, illustrating the evolutionary stages that led to the emergence of land-dwelling vertebrates. With its robust skeleton and well-developed fins, Osteolepis played a crucial role in shaping the evolutionary path towards terrestrial life, influencing the eventual colonization of land by vertebrates.
-
In geol., a genus of fossil ganoid fishes found in the Old Red Sandstone-so named from the enamelled bony appearance of the scales.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OSTEOLEPIS
- isteolepis
- ksteolepis
- lsteolepis
- psteolepis
- 0steolepis
- 9steolepis
- oateolepis
- ozteolepis
- oxteolepis
- odteolepis
- oeteolepis
- owteolepis
- osreolepis
- osfeolepis
- osgeolepis
- osyeolepis
- os6eolepis
- os5eolepis
- ostwolepis
- ostsolepis
Etymology of OSTEOLEPIS
The word "Osteolepis" is derived from two Greek words: "osteon", meaning bone, and "lepis", meaning scale. In combination, "Osteolepis" can be translated as "bone scale". This name refers to the extensive armoring of the fish, which had a heavily plated skeleton consisting of bony scales. Osteolepis is an extinct genus of prehistoric fish that lived during the Devonian period, around 390-360 million years ago.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
