Graptolitic

/ɡræpˈtɒlɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or containing graptolites, which are extinct marine animals with small tube-like structures that lived hundreds of millions of years ago.

Etymology

From graptolite (Greek 'graphtos' meaning written + 'lithos' meaning stone) + -ic suffix; named because their fossils resemble writing on rocks.

Kelly Says

Graptolites are like the fingerprints of ancient oceans—their fossils are so common and distinctive that geologists use them like a barcode to date rocks from the Paleozoic era, making them one of the most important tools in dating Earth's history.

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