crossopterygii

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a fossil of a crossopterygii in a museum.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A subclass of bony fishes: "Crossopterygii" is a taxonomic subclass of bony fishes characterized by paired, fleshy, lobe-like fins that resemble limbs. They are considered an evolutionary link between fish and amphibians.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fossil record shows that Crossopterygii were once widespread.
  • Scientists study Crossopterygii to understand the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

Advanced Usage

• In evolutionary biology: The term is used to discuss vertebrate evolution.
  • The discovery of a living coelacanth, a member of the Crossopterygii, was a major scientific event.

Variants and Related Words

• Crossopterygian (adj/n): Of or relating to the subclass Crossopterygii; a fish belonging to this subclass.
  • The crossopterygian fin structure is highly studied.

Synonyms

• Lobe-finned fishes: A common name for this group.
• Sarcopterygii: In modern taxonomy, this class often includes the lobe-finned fishes, making "Crossopterygii" a more historical or specific grouping.

Học thuật

Noun

1. fishes having paired fins resembling limbs and regarded as ancestral to amphibians

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Crossopterygii
• subclass Crossopterygii