PALAECHINUS Meaning and
Definition
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Palaechinus is a term that refers to an extinct genus of primitive sea urchin-like organisms that lived during the Paleozoic era, specifically during the Ordovician and Silurian periods. These ancient marine creatures belonged to a group known as blastoids, which were echinoderms that are reminiscent of both starfish and crinoids.
Palaechinus typically had a spherical or oval-shaped body, consisting of calcareous plates that were arranged in a distinctive pattern. These plates served as a protective armor, forming a rigid exoskeleton known as a theca. The theca surrounded the organism's internal organs and had several openings through which the animal extended its feeding appendages.
Like other blastoids, Palaechinus possessed a long stem that was attached to the sea floor or other hard substrates. The stem was composed of numerous calcareous segments, closely packed together, allowing the organism to anchor itself and keep its body elevated in the water column.
Palaechinus had a filter-feeding mechanism. Within the theca, the animal had a series of specialized appendages called brachioles. These brachioles were used to capture microscopic organisms and organic particles suspended in the water, which the organism would then consume for nourishment.
Fossilized remains of Palaechinus have been found in various locations around the world, providing scientists with valuable insights into the diversity and ecology of marine life during the Paleozoic era.
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In geol., a genus or family of fossil sea-urchins, found in the Carboniferous limestone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PALAECHINUS
- oalaechinus
- lalaechinus
- -alaechinus
- 0alaechinus
- pzlaechinus
- pslaechinus
- pwlaechinus
- pqlaechinus
- pakaechinus
- papaechinus
- paoaechinus
- palzechinus
- palsechinus
- palwechinus
- palqechinus
- palawchinus
- palaschinus
- paladchinus
- palarchinus
- pala4chinus
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