TROCHOCERAS Meaning and
Definition
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Trochoceras is a term commonly used in paleontology and conchology to describe a specific type of fossilized or extant cephalopod mollusk. It refers to a genus of marine animals that belong to the subclass Nautiloidea, which also includes creatures such as ammonites and nautiluses. Trochoceras existed during the Paleozoic era, particularly during the Ordovician period approximately 485 to 444 million years ago.
These fascinating creatures had a distinctive spiral-shaped shell with several whorls, and they typically exhibited a relatively small size, measuring only a few centimeters in diameter. The shell possessed a coiled structure, with each whorl forming a distinct spiral shape, usually increasing in size with each new growth phase. Trochoceras had a smooth or slightly ribbed surface texture, which varied depending on the species.
Trochoceras were active swimmers and would have inhabited the open ocean, feeding on small marine animals using their tentacles, which emerged from the opening of the shell called the aperture. They were able to retreat inside their shell, providing protection from predators and offering buoyancy control. The circular shape of their shell allowed for efficient and controlled movement in water.
Today, the fossil records of Trochoceras provide valuable insights into the ancient marine ecosystems and serve as indicators of past environmental conditions. Its distinct morphology and evolutionary history make Trochoceras a subject of interest for paleontologists, who study how these organisms adapted and evolved throughout geologic time.
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In geol., a genus of nautilites having a spiral depressed shell.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TROCHOCERAS
- rrochoceras
- frochoceras
- grochoceras
- yrochoceras
- 6rochoceras
- 5rochoceras
- teochoceras
- tdochoceras
- tfochoceras
- ttochoceras
- t5ochoceras
- t4ochoceras
- trichoceras
- trkchoceras
- trlchoceras
- trpchoceras
- tr0choceras
- tr9choceras
- troxhoceras
- trovhoceras
Etymology of TROCHOCERAS
The word "trochoceras" is derived from Greek.
The first part, "trocho", is derived from the Greek "trokhos", meaning wheel or disk.
The second part, "ceras", is derived from the Greek "keras", meaning horn or antenna.
Therefore, "trochoceras" can be translated as "wheel horn" or "disk antenna" in reference to the shape or appearance of the organism.
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