Cirrolite

/ˈsɪrəlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A fossil or preserved trace of an extinct cirriped organism, particularly fossilized remains of stalked barnacles or similar creatures.

Etymology

From cirr(us/iped) + -lite (stone, fossil). The -lite suffix comes from Greek lithos (stone) and is used for fossil minerals and preserved organisms.

Kelly Says

Cirrolites from the Silurian period show that stalked barnacles have remained almost unchanged for over 400 million years—they're basically living fossils!

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