Asterospondyli

/ˌæstərəˈspɑndɪlaɪ/ noun

Definition

A group of extinct fish characterized by star-shaped vertebral structures or centrum formations in their spinal columns.

Etymology

From Greek aster (star) plus spondylus (vertebra) plus the Latin taxonomic suffix -i. The name describes their distinctive star-shaped vertebral centers.

Kelly Says

These ancient fish had star-shaped vertebrae—nature basically invented beautiful geometric shapes millions of years ago, and paleontologists are still discovering them in fossils!

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