Eridanid

/ɛˈrɪdənɪd/ noun

Definition

A fossil trilobite or related creature from ancient seas, named after the mythical river Eridanus.

Etymology

From Eridanus (a river in Greek mythology, also a constellation) + -id (suffix for organisms). Used by paleontologists to reference ancient marine arthropods.

Kelly Says

Ancient fossils named after a mythical river—paleontologists were basically giving these 300-million-year-old creatures names from their favorite Greek myths!

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