EDAPHODON Meaning and
Definition
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Edaphodon is a term used to refer to a genus of extinct fish belonging to the order Pycnodontiformes, which thrived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago.
The name Edaphodon is derived from Greek, with "edaphos" meaning ground or soil and "odon" meaning tooth. This name is significant because it reflects the unique characteristics of this fish's dentition.
Edaphodon possessed a peculiar set of teeth that were adapted for crushing and grinding hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks and crustaceans. The most distinct feature of its teeth was their composition, which comprised large, flattened teeth at the back of the mouth, similar to molars, and smaller, sharper teeth in front, akin to incisors. This dentition allowed Edaphodon to efficiently process its food, extracting nutrients from the hard shells of its prey.
In terms of morphology, Edaphodon had a laterally compressed body with a wide head and eyes located towards the top. It also had large, fan-like pectoral and pelvic fins, which would have played a role in maneuverability and stability while swimming.
Edaphodon fossils have been found in various locations around the world, including Europe, North America, and Africa. These fossils provide valuable insights into the ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity of ancient marine environments during the Late Cretaceous period.
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In geol., a genus of fishes, founded chiefly on the jaws and dental apparatus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for EDAPHODON
- wdaphodon
- sdaphodon
- ddaphodon
- rdaphodon
- 4daphodon
- 3daphodon
- esaphodon
- exaphodon
- ecaphodon
- efaphodon
- eraphodon
- eeaphodon
- edzphodon
- edsphodon
- edwphodon
- edqphodon
- edaohodon
- edalhodon
- eda-hodon
- eda0hodon
Etymology of EDAPHODON
The word edaphodon is derived from two Greek words: edaphos meaning ground or soil and odon meaning tooth. Thus, the literal translation of edaphodon is ground tooth.
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