Heliolithic

/ˌhiːliəˈlɪθɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of heliolites; pertaining to fossils or organisms that lived in sunny, light-filled environments.

Etymology

From 'heliolite' + '-ic' (relating to). This scientific adjective describes fossils and the environmental conditions they indicate.

Kelly Says

When paleontologists find heliolithic fossils in layers of ancient rocks, they know that part of the ocean was shallow and sunny during that time period—fossils are literally coded messages from Earth's history!

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