Aistopoda

/ˌeɪstəˈpoʊdə/ noun

Definition

A class or group of extinct legless amphibians from the Carboniferous period; the plural or taxonomic grouping of aistopods.

Etymology

From Greek 'aisthos' + 'pous' (foot) + Latin taxonomic suffix -a. A scientific classification term for the entire group of primitive legless amphibians.

Kelly Says

Scientists use Latin and Greek to name extinct creatures they've never seen alive, creating a fossil naming system so consistent that a paleontologist in Japan can understand exactly which ancient creature a colleague in Brazil discovered just by reading its scientific name.

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