PTYCHODONT Meaning and
Definition
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Ptychodont is a noun used to describe an extinct group of cartilaginous fishes that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. These ancient creatures belonged to the order Ptychodontiformes and were characterized by their unique dental morphology and feeding habits.
The term "ptychodont" derives from the combination of Greek words; "ptyche" meaning fold or overlapping, and "odontes" meaning teeth. This name aptly describes the distinct feature of their dental apparatus, which consisted of numerous small, closely-arranged teeth that were often folded or interlocked. This dental arrangement allowed ptychodonts to efficiently capture and crush hard-shelled prey such as ammonites and bivalves.
The ptychodonts were primarily marine dwellers and inhabited various oceanic environments around the globe. Fossils of ptychodonts have been discovered in regions like Europe, North America, and Australia, providing valuable information about their distribution and evolution.
Due to their unique dentition, ptychodonts played a significant ecological role as top predators in Late Cretaceous marine ecosystems. Their specialized feeding habits and powerful jaws set them apart from other ancient sharks and rays of that era.
The study of ptychodonts provides important insights into the biodiversity and paleoecology of prehistoric marine environments. Fossil specimens of these organisms contribute to our understanding of the ancient food web, ecosystem dynamics, and the evolution of cartilaginous fishes.
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Noting an animal in which the crowns of the molar teeth are folded.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PTYCHODONT
- otychodont
- ltychodont
- -tychodont
- 0tychodont
- prychodont
- pfychodont
- pgychodont
- pyychodont
- p6ychodont
- p5ychodont
- pttchodont
- ptgchodont
- pthchodont
- ptuchodont
- pt7chodont
- pt6chodont
- ptyxhodont
- ptyvhodont
- ptyfhodont
- ptydhodont
Etymology of PTYCHODONT
The word ptychodont is derived from Greek roots. Ptycho- comes from the Greek word ptyx meaning fold or box, and -odont comes from the Greek word odont- meaning tooth. Therefore, ptychodont literally translates to folded tooth or tooth with folds.
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