noun
- An extinct marine arthropod of the Paleozoic era, resembling a large scorpion with a segmented body and paddle-like appendages.
Usage: paleontology; also called sea scorpion
Examples
- Eurypterids were among the largest arthropods to ever inhabit Earth's oceans.
- The fossil record shows that eurypterids dominated marine ecosystems during the Silurian period.
- Scientists study eurypterid specimens to understand the evolution of early arthropods.
- Some eurypterids grew to lengths exceeding two meters.
- The discovery of well-preserved eurypterid fossils has provided insights into ancient ocean life.