PLEUROTOMARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Pleurotomaria is a common genus of marine gastropods belonging to the family Pleurotomariidae. These gastropods are commonly referred to as "screw shells" due to their distinctive shape. The name Pleurotomaria is derived from the Greek word "pleuron," meaning side, and "tomaria," meaning cutter or section, which refers to the lamellar nature of the shell.
Members of the Pleurotomaria genus typically possess a high-spired, cone-shaped shell with numerous tightly coiled whorls. The aperture, or opening of the shell, is generally narrow and elongated, often resembling a screw thread - hence the common name. The surface of the shell is usually ornamented with prominent spiral ridges, and sometimes with axial ribs, resulting in an intricate pattern.
These gastropods are predominantly found in marine environments, dwelling in tropical and subtropical waters. They can be encountered at various depths, ranging from shallow tidal pools to deeper oceanic habitats. Pleurotomaria species are known to primarily inhabit sandy or muddy substrates, although some may be found on hard surfaces such as rocks or coral reefs.
Pleurotomaria species are highly carnivorous, feeding on other small marine organisms such as crustaceans and worms. Their specialized radula, a ribbon-like structure possessing tiny teeth, enables them to scrape and ingest their prey.
Due to their intriguing spiral shape and distinctive ornamentation, Pleurotomaria shells are often collected and sought after by shell enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Their unique appearance and abundance in certain areas make them iconic representatives of the fascinating gastropod mollusk group.
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In geol., an extensive genus of fossil shells, solid and few-whorled, having apertures somewhat square, with deep slits in their outer margins.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PLEUROTOMARIA
- oleurotomaria
- lleurotomaria
- -leurotomaria
- 0leurotomaria
- pkeurotomaria
- ppeurotomaria
- poeurotomaria
- plwurotomaria
- plsurotomaria
- pldurotomaria
- plrurotomaria
- pl4urotomaria
- pl3urotomaria
- pleyrotomaria
- plehrotomaria
- plejrotomaria
- pleirotomaria
- ple8rotomaria
- ple7rotomaria
- pleueotomaria
Etymology of PLEUROTOMARIA
The word "pleurotomaria" is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "pleuron" and "tomos". "Pleuron" means "side" or "rib", and "tomos" means "cut" or "section". Therefore, "pleurotomaria" refers to something (usually a fossil or a snail shell) that has a ribbed or grooved side or section.
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