SUBCLASS CROSSOPTERYGII Meaning and
Definition
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Subclass Crossopterygii is a biological classification that refers to a group of extinct and ancient fish species. The term is derived from the Greek words "crosso" meaning "fringed" and "pteryx" meaning "fin," which accurately describes the distinctive characteristic of their fins. This subclass belongs to the larger class Sarcopterygii, which encompasses all lobe-finned fishes.
Members of the subclass Crossopterygii are known for their unique anatomical features, particularly their lobed fins, which are characterized by fleshy lobes supported by bony structures. These lobed fins are considered an important evolutionary feature as they are believed to be precursors to the limbs of tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates). Furthermore, some experts suggest that the Crossopterygii subclass could be considered the evolutionary link between fishes and land-dwelling organisms.
During the Devonian period, around 360 million years ago, Crossopterygii were common in both freshwater and marine environments. However, they gradually declined and eventually became extinct, with no surviving species identified in modern times. The most well-known example of a Crossopterygii fish is the coelacanth, which was thought to be extinct until a living population was discovered in 1938.
In summary, the subclass Crossopterygii refers to a group of ancient fish species characterized by their lobed fins, which are believed to be important in the evolution of land-dwelling vertebrates.
Common Misspellings for SUBCLASS CROSSOPTERYGII
- aubclass crossopterygii
- zubclass crossopterygii
- xubclass crossopterygii
- dubclass crossopterygii
- eubclass crossopterygii
- wubclass crossopterygii
- sybclass crossopterygii
- shbclass crossopterygii
- sjbclass crossopterygii
- sibclass crossopterygii
- s8bclass crossopterygii
- s7bclass crossopterygii
- suvclass crossopterygii
- sunclass crossopterygii
- suhclass crossopterygii
- sugclass crossopterygii
- subxlass crossopterygii
- subvlass crossopterygii
- subflass crossopterygii
Etymology of SUBCLASS CROSSOPTERYGII
The word "Subclass Crossopterygii" has a compound etymology.
The term "subclass" comes from the Latin word "sub" meaning "under" or "below", and "classis" meaning "class". In taxonomy, a subclass is a taxonomic rank below the class and above the order.
The term "Crossopterygii" is derived from the Greek words "krossoi" meaning "fringe" or "fringed", and "pteryx" meaning "fin". It refers to a group of ancient fishes characterized by their lobed fins, which contain bony structures resembling digits.
Therefore, "Subclass Crossopterygii" can be understood as a classification within the broader class of fishes, consisting of species with lobed fins.
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