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Glite Dictionary
Gomphotherium

Gomphotherium

9.9
A large extinct animal like an elephant that lived millions of years ago
  • noun
  • /ɡɒmfəˈθɪəriəm/
  • Specialized
: gomfoterio
  • Scientists believe that Gomphotherium had four tusks and lived in marshy areas.

Examples

  • The fossils of Gomphotherium have been discovered in both Eurasia and North America.

  • Unlike modern elephants, Gomphotherium had a more elongated lower jaw.

  • The Gomphotherium roamed the earth during the late Miocene.

  • Scientists discovered fossils of Gomphotherium in North America.

  • Scientists believe that Gomphotherium had four tusks and lived in marshy areas.

  • The fossils of Gomphotherium have been discovered in both Eurasia and North America.

  • Unlike modern elephants, Gomphotherium had a more elongated lower jaw.

Synonyms

gomphothere
vsGomphotherium
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A large extinct animal like an elephant that lived in Central and South America long ago

is a single genus within that larger group thus more specific

Surface Forms

Gomphotherium singular
Gomphotheria plural

Etymology

Gomphotherium comes from Greek parts gompho meaning 'peg' or 'bolt' and -therium meaning 'beast'. So the name is like 'peg beast', which helps you remember this extinct, elephant-like animal that had unusual peg-like teeth and tusks.