Acroceratidae is a term that refers to a family of extinct ammonites that lived during the Late Jurassic period. These creatures were known for their distinctive shell structure, which featured a narrow, elongated body chamber and a curved, horn-like extension at the end. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Acroceratidae, as well as its origins, associations, and synonyms.
Definitions
Acroceratidae is a family of extinct ammonites that lived during the Late Jurassic period. These creatures were characterized by their narrow, elongated body chamber and their curved, horn-like extension at the end. The name “Acroceratidae” comes from the Greek words “acro” (meaning “high” or “topmost”) and “keras” (meaning “horn”).
Origin
The first fossils of Acroceratidae were discovered in Europe in the 19th century. Since then, numerous specimens have been found in other parts of the world, including North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. Acroceratidae is believed to have evolved from an earlier group of ammonites known as the Hildoceratidae.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Acroceratidae is defined as “a family of Late Jurassic ammonites having a shell with a long, narrow body chamber and a curved, hornlike extension at the end.” The Oxford English Dictionary offers a similar definition, describing Acroceratidae as “an extinct family of ammonites characterized by a long, narrow body chamber and a curved, hornlike extension at the end of the shell.”
Associations
Acroceratidae is often associated with other groups of extinct marine creatures from the Late Jurassic period, such as ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other types of ammonites. These creatures lived in the oceans that covered much of the Earth’s surface during this time and were important components of the marine ecosystem.
Synonyms
There are no widely recognized synonyms for Acroceratidae, as this term refers specifically to a distinct family of ammonites. However, some related terms that may be used in scientific literature include Hildoceratidae, which is believed to be the ancestral group from which Acroceratidae evolved, and Ammonitida, which is a broader taxonomic group that includes all extinct ammonites.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for Acroceratidae, as this term is a specific taxonomic designation rather than a general descriptive term.
The same root words
The root words “acro” and “keras” are used in a variety of other scientific terms, including acromegaly (a hormonal disorder characterized by excessive growth), acrophobia (a fear of heights), and keratin (a protein found in hair, nails, and other structures).
Example Sentences
- The fossil record shows that Acroceratidae was a successful and widespread group of ammonites during the Late Jurassic period.
- The distinctive shell structure of Acroceratidae made it easy for paleontologists to identify these creatures from other types of ammonites.
- The evolution of Acroceratidae from the earlier Hildoceratidae is an example of how new species can arise through gradual changes over time.
- The discovery of new Acroceratidae fossils in different parts of the world has helped scientists to better understand the diversity and distribution of these ancient creatures.