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Lepidodendraceae

Lepidodendraceae

9.9
An extinct tree-like plant that leaves spiral leaf scars in fossils
  • noun
  • /ˌlɛpɪdoʊˈdɛnˌdreɪʃiˌi/
  • Specialized
: Lepidodendraceae
  • The fossilized trunks of Lepidodendraceae display distinctive spiral leaf scar patterns.

Examples

  • The unique bark of Lepidodendraceae helps scientists reconstruct ancient forest environments.

  • The Lepidodendraceae family thrived during the Carboniferous period.

  • Paleontologists have identified Lepidodendraceae in coal deposits from the Carboniferous period.

  • Fossils of Lepidodendraceae can be found in many coal deposits.

  • Paleontologists have identified Lepidodendraceae in coal deposits from the Carboniferous period.

  • The fossilized trunks of Lepidodendraceae display distinctive spiral leaf scar patterns.

  • Fossils of Lepidodendraceae can be found in many coal deposits.

Surface Forms

Morphology

Lepidodendraceae = Lepidodendron (opaque) = lepido + dendron + aceae

Formation from a genus name plus the technical Latin family suffix '-aceae' is a specialist taxonomic process and not transparently meaningful to average learners.

Etymology

The word Lepidodendraceae comes from Greek parts lepido- meaning 'scale' and dendron meaning 'tree', with the ending -aceae showing it is a 'plant family'. These were tree-like plants with spiral, scale-like leaf scars, so the name helps you picture fossil 'scale trees'.