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Glite Dictionary
Dicynodontia

Dicynodontia

9.9
A group of plant-eating reptiles with two tusks and a beak that lived long ago
  • noun
  • /ˌdaɪsɪˈnɒntɪə/
  • Specialized
: Dicynodontia
  • Paleontologists believe that Dicynodontia were among the most successful herbivores of the Permian period.

Examples

  • The extinction of Dicynodontia marked a significant change in prehistoric ecosystems.

  • Fossils of Dicynodontia have been discovered on every continent, including Antarctica.

  • The Dicynodontia were fascinating creatures of the past.

  • Did you know that Dicynodontia lived during the Permian period?

  • Fossils of Dicynodontia have been discovered on every continent, including Antarctica.

  • Paleontologists believe that Dicynodontia were among the most successful herbivores of the Permian period.

  • The extinction of Dicynodontia marked a significant change in prehistoric ecosystems.

Synonyms

dicynodont
vsDicynodontia
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A plant-eating prehistoric animal with two tusks and beak-like jaws

is broader and less technical, covering both the Permian and Triassic periods

Surface Forms

Dicynodontia singular
Dicynodontias plural

Morphology

Dicynodontia = dicynodont (opaque) = di + cynodont + ia

Formed by adding the taxonomic suffix '-ia' to a scientific name; the structure and meaning are specialized and not transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Dicynodontia comes from Greek parts di- 'two' and odont 'tooth', and you can see the same 'tooth' root in the word orthodontist. So the name literally means 'two-toothed' and is a handy image: these extinct plant-eaters had two tusk-like teeth and a beaked jaw.