Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tethys
noun
ˈtɛθɪs
Definition
An ancient ocean that existed during the Mesozoic Era, bordered by land masses that eventually formed modern continents.
Examples
- The Tethys Ocean played a significant role in the climate and biodiversity of the Mesozoic period.
- Marine fossils discovered in the Alps were once part of the Tethys Sea.
- During the breakup of Pangaea, the Tethys Sea began to shrink, leading to the formation of new ocean basins.
Meaning
Tethys refers to the vast sea that existed between the continents of Laurasia and Gondwana, influencing the geological and biological evolution of the Earth.
Synonyms
- None (as a specific ancient ocean, it has no direct synonyms)
