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Glite Dictionary
Ichthyosauridae

Ichthyosauridae

9.9
A group of large, fish-like reptiles that lived in the sea long ago
  • noun
  • /ɪkˌθiːoʊˈsɔːrɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Ictiosauridos
  • The Ichthyosauridae thrived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods before going extinct.

Examples

  • Fossils of the Ichthyosauridae have been found on every continent.

  • The Ichthyosauridae family includes some of the largest marine reptiles.

  • Researchers believe that climate change played a role in the extinction of the Ichthyosauridae.

  • Many fossils of Ichthyosauridae have been discovered in Europe.

  • Fossils of the Ichthyosauridae family have been discovered on every continent, showcasing their widespread existence.

  • The Ichthyosauridae are known for their unique fish-like bodies, which helped them thrive in ancient oceans.

  • Researchers have studied the Ichthyosauridae to better understand the evolution of marine reptiles during the Jurassic period.

Surface Forms

Ichthyosauridae singular
Ichthyosauridae plural

Morphology

Ichthyosauridae = ichthyosaur (semi-transparent) = ichthyosaur + idae

Formed from the common name 'ichthyosaur' plus the specialized taxonomic suffix '-idae'; the relation to the base is clear but the suffix denotes a technical biological category unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

Ichthyosauridae comes from Greek roots ichthys 'fish' and saurus 'lizard', and the ending -idae means 'family'. So the name literally says 'fish lizards', which fits these extinct sea reptiles with fish-like bodies.