This refers to the use of extinct marine animals as answers in crossword puzzles. For example, a clue might be “Prehistoric marine reptile” with the answer ICHTHYOSAUR. This approach draws upon a wide range of paleontological knowledge, requiring solvers to be familiar with creatures like trilobites, plesiosaurs, and ammonites, among others.
Incorporating these animals into crossword puzzles offers several advantages. It expands solvers’ vocabulary and introduces them to scientific terminology. It also promotes engagement with natural history and encourages curiosity about ancient life. Furthermore, it can offer a playful yet educational way to learn about the diversity of life that once existed in Earth’s oceans and the processes of evolution and extinction. Crosswords have historically included scientific terms and concepts, reflecting the public’s general interest in the natural world.