HELIOLITES Meaning and
Definition
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Heliolites is a term used in paleontology to refer to a particular genus of extinct colonial coral that thrived during the Silurian and Devonian periods. It belongs to the class Anthozoa and the order Tabulata.
Heliolites corals are characterized by their distinctive, tabulate skeletal structure. The colonies of these corals form sheet-like or encrusting formations on the sea floor, commonly found in shallow marine environments. The individual coral organisms, known as polyps, are housed in small polygonal chambers within the skeletal plates. These chambers are interconnected by tiny pores that allow for nutrient exchange and communication between the polyps.
The skeletal structure of heliolites corals consists of numerous vertical plates called tabulae. These tabulae are regularly spaced and create multiple layers within the colony. This intricate structural organization provides support and stability to the coral colony. The surface of the coral is typically covered in small ridges or bumps, adding to its unique appearance.
Heliolites corals were reef-building organisms, playing a significant role in the construction of ancient coral reefs. They were primarily sessile filter-feeders, capturing microscopic organisms such as plankton for nutrition. The fossilized remains of heliolites colonies provide important insights into ancient marine ecosystems and can be used by paleontologists to determine the environmental conditions prevailing during the Silurian and Devonian periods.
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An extensive genus of fossil corals-so called from the sun-like aspect of the septa of their pores.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HELIOLITES
- geliolites
- beliolites
- neliolites
- jeliolites
- ueliolites
- yeliolites
- hwliolites
- hsliolites
- hdliolites
- hrliolites
- h4liolites
- h3liolites
- hekiolites
- hepiolites
- heoiolites
- heluolites
- heljolites
- helkolites
- heloolites
- hel9olites
Etymology of HELIOLITES
The word heliolites has its etymology rooted in Ancient Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: helios, which means sun, and lithos, which means stone. When combined, they form the word heliolites, which translates to sun stone.
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