Conodonta

9.9

Extinct eel-like animals that scientists find as tiny fossil teeth and use to date rocks

noun
/ˌkɒnəˈdɒntə/

Specialized

: Conodonta

Fossils of Conodonta are often used by geologists to date Paleozoic rock layers.

Examples

Studies of Conodonta microfossils have greatly contributed to our understanding of ancient marine environments.
The precise evolutionary relationships of Conodonta with other vertebrates remain a subject of scientific debate.
The Conodonta were fascinating creatures of the ancient seas.
Scientists study Conodonta fossils to understand ancient marine ecosystems.
Fossils of Conodonta are often used by geologists to date Paleozoic rock layers.
Scientists study Conodonta fossils to understand ancient marine ecosystems.
Studies of Conodonta microfossils have greatly contributed to our understanding of ancient marine environments.

Synonyms

conodont

vsConodonta

Specialized

1 9.9

A small extinct eel-like sea animal known from cone-shaped fossils

is the group used by paleontologists to date rocks rather than a single ancestor

order Conodontophorida

vsConodonta

Specialized

9.9

A group of extinct jawless animals known from small tooth-like fossils

is the wider fossil group used to date rocks in paleontology

Conodontophorida

vsConodonta

Specialized

9.9

Extinct small jawless sea animals known from tiny tooth-like fossils

is the fossil group valued for rock dating rather than taxonomic debate

Surface Forms

Conodonta singular

Conodontas plural

Morphology

Conodonta = conodont (opaque) = conodont + a

The final '-a' is a taxonomic/Latin-formative ending and does not convey a readily inferable meaning to average learners.

Etymology

Conodonta comes from Greek parts konos 'cone' and odont- 'tooth', because these ancient animals are known mainly from tiny, cone-shaped tooth fossils. So the name helps you remember that their 'teeth' are the small fossils scientists use to study and date old rocks.