Cetotolite

/ˌsiːtəˈtoʊlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A fossil otolith (ear bone) from an extinct cetacean or whale-like marine mammal.

Etymology

From Greek 'ketos' (whale) and 'otolith' (ear stone), combining the scientific term for whale-related fossils with the geological term for calcified ear structures.

Kelly Says

Otoliths are so hard and durable that they're among the most common whale fossils found—they tell scientists about extinct whales' hearing and evolutionary history!

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