Heterostraci (Noun)
Meaning
Extinct group of armored jawless fishes or fish-like vertebrate; taxonomy is not clear.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Heterostraci were characterized by their unique head shields and lack of jaws, which set them apart from other ancient fish-like vertebrates.
- The fossil record of heterostraci provides valuable insights into the evolution of vertebrates during the Paleozoic Era.
- Despite their fish-like appearance, heterostraci were actually more closely related to modern lampreys and hagfish than to true fish.
- Heterostraci were a diverse group, with over 200 known species, ranging in size and shape from small, slender forms to large, armored creatures.
- The taxonomy of heterostraci is still not well understood, with many scientists debating their exact relationships to other ancient vertebrates.