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Pinnule
/ˈpɪnjuːl/noun
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A pinnule is a small, secondary division or leaflet on a larger leaf structure, such as those found on ferns or compound leaves, allowing for greater surface area in photosynthesis. In a broader context, it also describes similar feathery extensions in animals like crinoids or feathers, showcasing evolution's clever reuse of designs for functions like feeding or display.
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In some ancient fossil records, pinnules on crinoids—marine animals resembling flowers—have been found perfectly preserved from the Paleozoic era, over 400 million years ago, revealing how these structures helped early sea life filter food from ocean currents with remarkable efficiency.
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