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archosaurian

archosaurian

9.9
About reptiles like crocodiles, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs
  • adjective
  • /ˌɑrkəˈsɔrɪən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arcosaurio
  • Modern crocodiles are considered to be archosaurian reptiles, closely related to ancient species.

Examples

  • The archosaurian lineage includes both flying pterosaurs and giant dinosaurs.

  • Many paleontologists specialize in the study of archosaurian fossils to understand prehistoric life.

  • The archosaurian lineage includes both dinosaurs and modern birds.

  • Many archosaurian fossils have been discovered in North America.

  • Many paleontologists specialize in the study of archosaurian fossils to understand prehistoric life.

  • Modern crocodiles are considered to be archosaurian reptiles, closely related to ancient species.

  • The archosaurian lineage includes both flying pterosaurs and giant dinosaurs.

Compounds

archosaurian reptile
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of reptiles from long ago, like dinosaurs and flying reptiles

Surface Forms

archosaurian positive

Morphology

archosaurian = archosaur (transparent) = archosaur + ian

Formed by the regular suffix '-ian' from the taxonomic noun 'archosaur', yielding 'relating to archosaurs'—a transparent denominal formation.

Etymology

Archosaurian comes from Greek parts archo- meaning 'ruler' or 'chief' and sauros meaning 'lizard', and you can see sauros in the familiar word dinosaur. So archosaurian describes things related to the 'ruling lizards', which is why scientists use it for crocodiles, dinosaurs and pterosaurs.