Conclusion
Amphistylic is a term used to describe a type of jaw structure in fish that is characterized by the presence of two articulations between the skull and the lower jaw. This type of jaw structure is found in some primitive fish species, as well as in some modern fish species such as sharks.
Definitions
The term amphistylic comes from the Greek words “amphi” meaning “both” and “stylos” meaning “pillar”. It refers to the fact that the lower jaw is supported by two pillars or columns on either side of the skull.
In biology, amphistylic is used to describe a type of jaw structure in which the lower jaw is attached to the skull by two distinct articulations. The first articulation is between the quadrate bone in the skull and the articular bone in the lower jaw. The second articulation is between the hyomandibular bone in the skull and the lower jaw.
Origin
The term amphistylic was first used by the German anatomist Carl Gegenbaur in the 19th century to describe the jaw structure of certain primitive fish species. Since then, the term has been used by biologists to describe the jaw structure of a variety of fish species.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, amphistylic is “of or relating to a type of jaw suspension in which the lower jaw is attached to the skull by two articulations”.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines amphistylic as “having two articulations between the skull and the lower jaw, as in some primitive fishes”.
Associations
Amphistylic jaw structure is associated with primitive fish species such as sharks, sturgeons, and paddlefish. It is also found in some modern fish species such as the bowfin and the gar.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for amphistylic, but the term is sometimes used interchangeably with “diphyodont”, which refers to the presence of two sets of teeth in an animal’s lifetime.
Antonyms
The antonym of amphistylic is monostylic, which refers to a type of jaw structure in which the lower jaw is attached to the skull by a single articulation.
The same root words
There are no other words that share the same root words as amphistylic.
Example Sentences
- The amphistylic jaw structure of sharks allows them to open their mouths wide and swallow prey whole.
- The gar is a fish species with an amphistylic jaw structure, which allows it to catch and crush prey with its sharp teeth.
- The primitive fish species known as sturgeons have an amphistylic jaw structure that is similar to that of sharks.
Amphistylic is a term used to describe a type of jaw structure in fish that is characterized by the presence of two articulations between the skull and the lower jaw. This type of jaw structure is found in some primitive fish species, as well as in some modern fish species such as sharks. The term is derived from the Greek words “amphi” meaning “both” and “stylos” meaning “pillar”. Amphistylic jaw structure is associated with primitive fish species such as sharks, sturgeons, and paddlefish.