latimeria chalumnae

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Word: Latimeria chalumnae

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Latimeria chalumnae is a type of fish that scientists thought had disappeared a long time ago, around 66 million years ago, during a time called the Cretaceous period. However, in 1938, it was discovered alive off the coast of Africa. This fish is special and often referred to as a "living fossil."

Simple Explanation:

• Latimeria chalumnae is a fish that was believed to be extinct (no longer existing) but was found alive in 1938. It is important to scientists because it helps them understand more about the history of life on Earth.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use the term Latimeria chalumnae when talking about marine biology, paleontology (the study of ancient life), or when discussing significant discoveries in science.

Example Sentence:

• "The discovery of Latimeria chalumnae in 1938 surprised scientists because it was thought to have been extinct for millions of years."

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, you might discuss Latimeria chalumnae in relation to evolutionary biology, conservation efforts, or its unique anatomy compared to other fishes.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of Latimeria chalumnae, but you might encounter the term "coelacanth," which is the more common name for this fish.

Different Meanings:

• While Latimeria chalumnae refers specifically to this species of fish, "coelacanth" can sometimes refer to other similar ancient fish families.

Synonyms:

• Coelacanth (the common name for Latimeria chalumnae)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to Latimeria chalumnae, but you might use phrases like "living fossil" to describe it, which means a species that has changed very little over a long period of time.

Summary:

Latimeria chalumnae is an important fish in both scientific studies and the history of life on Earth.

Academic

Noun

1. fish thought to have been extinct since the Cretaceous period but found in 1938 off the coast of Africa

Synonyms

• coelacanth
• Latimeria chalumnae