Ganodus

/ɡænəˈdoʊs/ noun

Definition

A genus or individual specimen of ancient fish characterized by ganodont tooth structures with ganoid coating.

Etymology

From ganodont (ganos + odont) plus -us (Latin singular marker). The term uses Latin nomenclature common in paleontological classification of fossil fish.

Kelly Says

Naming ancient fish 'Ganodus' was basically scientists saying 'this fish has fancy shiny teeth'—it's the kind of straightforward descriptive naming that reveals how fascinated early paleontologists were by these unusual dental structures.

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