STIGMARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Stigmaria refers to a specific fossilized structure found in the Carboniferous period, specifically from the genus Sigillaria. It is typically described as the underground root system or more accurately the organ of anchorage and nutrient absorption in ancient, tree-like plants. Stigmaria is characterized by its branching, tuberous structures that extend laterally from the base of the tree trunk. These structures are typically preserved as fossil casts in sedimentary rocks, enabling paleontologists to reconstruct the evolutionary history of ancient forests.
The Stigmaria structure consists of a series of horizontal and vertical tubes, known as rhizomorphic tubes, which facilitated the transport of water, nutrients, and gases between the main stem and the roots. These tubes, along with the presence of prominent, often scale-like markings known as "stigmates," give the structure its name. Stigmaria is believed to have served as the main means of nutrient uptake in ancient forests, anchoring the tree, absorbing water, and transporting nutrients from the underground to the aerial parts of the plants.
The discovery of Stigmaria fossils has been crucial in understanding the structure, growth patterns, and ecological significance of ancient forests during the Carboniferous period. By analyzing the dimensions, distribution, and organization of Stigmaria, paleobotanists can gain insights into the paleoecology and evolutionary adaptations of these ancient plant species. Additionally, the presence of Stigmaria fossils can assist in correlating and dating various rock layers, contributing to the study of Earth's geological history.
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In geol., root-stems peculiar to the carboniferous system, so named from their regular pitted or dotted surfaces.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STIGMARIA
- atigmaria
- ztigmaria
- xtigmaria
- dtigmaria
- etigmaria
- wtigmaria
- srigmaria
- sfigmaria
- sgigmaria
- syigmaria
- s6igmaria
- s5igmaria
- stugmaria
- stjgmaria
- stkgmaria
- stogmaria
- st9gmaria
- st8gmaria
- stifmaria
- stivmaria
Etymology of STIGMARIA
The word "Stigmaria" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "stigma" meaning "mark" or "brand", and "maria" meaning "of the sea". The name was given to these fossilized structures because when they were first discovered, they were thought to be the remains of marine animals. However, it was later determined that Stigmaria structures actually represented the roots of ancient plants belonging to the lycopsid family, which are now extinct.
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