Goniatitoid

/ɡoʊniəˈtɪtɔɪd/ adjective

Definition

Resembling a goniatite in structure or appearance, particularly in having angular suture patterns like those of extinct goniatites.

Etymology

From goniatite plus the suffix -oid, meaning 'resembling' or 'like.' Used to describe fossils or organisms that share goniatite characteristics but may not be true goniatites.

Kelly Says

Paleontologists use 'goniatitoid' to describe cousins of goniatites—it's like saying something is 'goniatite-like' when you can't quite pin down exactly what extinct creature you're looking at!

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