Batocrinus

/ˌbætoʊˈkraɪnəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of extinct crinoid echinoderms that lived in ancient seas and had distinctive branching arms.

Etymology

From Greek 'batos' (thorny) and 'krinos' (lily). This scientific name specifically describes one genus within the Batocrinidae family of sea creatures.

Kelly Says

When paleontologists find fossilized batocrinus, they can sometimes see the individual segments so perfectly preserved that you can actually count the rings on their stems like tree rings—revealing how old the creature was when it died.

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