Merostomata (Noun)
Meaning
Used in some classifications; includes the orders Xiphosura and Eurypterida.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The marine merostomata include both extinct and extant species of animals commonly referred to as horseshoe crabs and sea scorpions.
- Paleontologists have extensively studied the diverse group of fossils within the class merostomata to gain insights into the Earth's ancient ecosystems.
- Historically, the orders Xiphosura and Eurypterida have been classified together as the class merostomata, reflecting their shared characteristics.
- Scientists rely on detailed analyses of morphology and gene sequences to better classify and understand the evolutionary history of merostomata.
- The class merostomata forms a relatively small, distinctive group within the more extensive phylum Chelicerata in arthropod systematics.