Gastrolith
Gastrolith
Gastrolith (pronounced: gas-tro-lith) is a term used in the field of Paleontology and Zoology to describe stones that are swallowed by animals, particularly reptiles and birds, to aid in digestion.
Etymology
The term 'Gastrolith' is derived from the Greek words 'gastro' meaning stomach, and 'lithos' meaning stone.
Description
Gastroliths are hard, often smooth stones swallowed by animals. These stones remain in the gizzard, a specialized part of the stomach, and are used to grind food, aiding in digestion. Gastroliths are especially common in birds and reptiles, including extinct species like dinosaurs.
Related Terms
- Gizzard: A muscular, thick-walled part of a bird's stomach for grinding food, typically with the aid of ingested stones or grit.
- Paleontology: The branch of science concerned with fossil animals and plants.
- Zoology: The scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.
See Also
- Bezoar: A mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal system.
- Lithophagy: The habit of eating stones or gravel.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gastrolith
- Wikipedia's article - Gastrolith
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