Ganoidal

/ɡəˈnɔɪdəl/ adjective

Definition

Of, relating to, or characteristic of ganoid fish and their shiny, enamel-coated scales.

Etymology

From ganoid plus -al (suffix meaning relating to or characterized by). Forms an adjective allowing broader descriptive use of the ganoid concept.

Kelly Says

When scientists describe something as 'ganoidal,' they're invoking 200 million years of evolutionary success—these scales are so good at protecting fish that nature basically said 'don't fix what isn't broken' and kept them largely unchanged.

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