coccoliths

views updated May 14 2018

coccoliths The microscopic calcareous plates or discs, often oval and commonly intricately patterned and ornamented, that occur as part of the protective covering of a group of the unicellular algae called coccolithophorids. Coccoliths are a major component of the modern deep-sea calcareous oozes, and were especially abundant in the Mesozoic, particularly the Cretaceous Period, in which they became a major component of the Chalk lithology.

coccoliths

views updated May 08 2018

coccoliths The microscopic calcareous plates or discs, often oval and commonly intricately patterned and ornamented, that occur as part of the protective covering of a group of the unicellular algae called coccolithophorids. Coccoliths are a major component of the modern deep-sea calcareous oozes, and were especially abundant in the Mesozoic, particularly the Cretaceous Period, in which they became a major component of the Chalk lithology.

coccoliths

views updated May 23 2018

coccoliths The microscopic calcareous plates or discs, often oval and commonly intricately patterned and ornamented, that occur as part of the protective covering of a group of the unicellular algae called coccolithophorids. Coccoliths are a major component of the modern deep-sea calcareous oozes, and were especially abundant in the Mesozoic, particularly the Cretaceous Period, in which they became a major component of the Chalk lithology.

About this article

coccoliths

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic