COLOLITES Meaning and
Definition
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Cololites are fossilized droppings or feces of ancient animals. This term is derived from the Greek words "kólon," meaning colon or intestines, and "lithos," meaning stone or rock. Cololites provide valuable information about the diet and digestive system of extinct organisms and play a significant role in paleontological studies.
These fossilized excrement samples can be preserved in various sedimentary rocks, such as shale, limestone, or marl. Cololites usually have a distinctive tubular or cylindrical shape, often segmented, and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They may also contain undigested or partially digested remains of the animal's food, such as bone fragments, shells, or plant matter.
Scientists analyze cololites to reconstruct the ancient environment and understand the feeding patterns and behavior of prehistoric creatures. By studying the mineral content and chemical composition of cololites, researchers can determine the types of food consumed, identify potential predator-prey relationships, and even gain insights into the evolutionary development of digestive systems.
Cololites are particularly valuable in elucidating the diets and ecological roles of extinct marine species, including ancient fish and marine reptiles. However, they are also found in terrestrial environments, offering clues about the dietary choices and behaviors of long-extinct land-dwelling creatures.
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In geol., a name given to certain intestinal-like masses and impressions.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for COLOLITES
- cololites
- xololites
- vololites
- fololites
- cilolites
- cklolites
- cllolites
- cplolites
- c0lolites
- c9lolites
- cokolites
- copolites
- cooolites
- colilites
- colklites
- colllites
- colplites
- col0lites
- col9lites
- colokites
Etymology of COLOLITES
The word "cololites" is derived from the Greek words "kolos", meaning "dung", and "lithos", meaning "stone". It was coined in the mid-19th century and is used in paleontology to refer to fossilized feces, or coprolites.
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