Baculites

/ˌbæk.jə.ˈlaɪ.tiːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of baculite; a group of extinct cephalopods characterized by their distinctive straight to slightly curved shells.

Etymology

From 'baculite' with the simple English plural '-s,' referring to multiple members of this fossil genus.

Kelly Says

Baculites are so common in certain rock layers that geologists use them as 'index fossils'—finding one tells you exactly how old the rocks around it are, like a geological time stamp!

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