Cochliodont

/kɒˈklɪədɒnt/ noun

Definition

A prehistoric fish or animal characterized by spiral-shaped or coiled teeth, especially members of the family Cochliodontidae.

Etymology

From Greek cochlia (snail shell) and odontos (tooth), literally meaning 'spiral-toothed.' A descriptive name referencing the distinctive tooth morphology of these extinct creatures.

Kelly Says

Cochilodonts had the wildest teeth in the Paleozoic ocean—instead of individual pointed teeth, they had grinding plates with spiral whorls that worked like a 3D puzzle to crush armored prey!

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