synapsid
1
9.9
- noun
- /sɪˈnæpsɪd/
- Specialized
- The fossil record reveals that synapsids were the ancestors of modern mammals.
- reptiles called synapsids
Examples
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That is the one thing that that the little subtle thing, the little nuance of anatomy that defined the synapsid line as they split off from the reptiles.
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Both mammals (synapsids) and birds, reptiles, and crocodiles (sauropsids) exhibit some form of mother-caring behavior, but amphibians do not.
Academic text (2014) -
When a group of reptiles called the synapsids branched off from the main reptile line to become the precursors of mammals, the jaw again underwent changes.
Academic text (2003) -
The postdentary bones in synapsids are the functional jaw elements; the quadrate and articular are both large, and the stapes is relatively massive, and it contacts the quadrate distally.
Academic text (2003) -
During the late Permian, several species of synapsids thrived in a variety of environments.
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Scientists study synapsids to understand the evolutionary history of mammals.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A group of animals like reptiles from long ago that are early ancestors of mammals
An extinct reptile with one pair of holes in the skull behind the eyes that led to mammals
Compounds
- Specialized
An extinct reptile with one pair of holes in the skull behind the eyes that led to mammals
How Mammalian
Surface Forms
Morphology
synapsid = syn + apsid
A technical scientific coinage from Greek combining forms; the components are not productive common English morphemes and a B1 learner would not reliably infer the meaning from 'syn' + 'apsid'.
Etymology
Synapsid comes from Greek parts syn- meaning 'together', as in synchronize, and apsis meaning 'arch' or 'vault', like a church 'apse'. The name points to the single arch-like opening on each side of the skull, so synapsid helps you remember these ancient, mammal-like animals by their one side opening.