Biostrome

/ˈbaɪoʊˌstroʊm/ noun

Definition

A distinct layer or accumulation of rock formed primarily from the skeletons or shells of marine organisms that lived and died in that location.

Etymology

From 'bio-' (life) + 'strome' (layer or bed, from Greek 'stroma'). This geological term describes rock layers composed almost entirely of biological material.

Kelly Says

Limestone cliffs and coral reef rocks are often biostomes—thousands of tiny creatures built entire landscapes just by living and dying, creating the White Cliffs of Dover and Great Barrier Reef structures visible from space!

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