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Labyrinthodontia

Labyrinthodontia

9.9
A group of large extinct amphibians with flat skulls and cone-shaped teeth with complex patterns
  • noun
  • /ˌlæbəˌrɪnˈθɒndə/
  • Specialized
: labirintodontia
  • The complex tooth patterns of Labyrinthodontia helped paleontologists identify their remains.

Examples

  • The Labyrinthodontia thrived during the Devonian period.

  • Scientists discovered fossils of Labyrinthodontia in rocks dating back to the Triassic period.

  • Labyrinthodontia are believed to have been among the earliest vertebrates to venture onto land.

  • Scientists have discovered fossils of Labyrinthodontia in North America.

  • Fossils of Labyrinthodontia provide valuable insights into the evolution of amphibians during the Triassic period.

  • Paleontologists have examined many skulls from Labyrinthodontia to understand their unique adaptations to both land and water.

  • The remains of Labyrinthodontia, featuring their distinct conical teeth, have been found in various geological layers.

Synonyms

Labyrinthodonta
vsLabyrinthodontia
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large extinct amphibians with flat skulls and cone-shaped teeth that lived a very long time ago

has identical meaning but uses a different form of the name

Surface Forms

Morphology

Labyrinthodontia = Labyrinthodont (opaque) = labyrinth + odont + ia

Adding the taxonomic suffix '-ia' to form a group name from 'Labyrinthodont' is a regular morphological step, but it yields a technical collective term.

Etymology

Labyrinthodontia comes from two old Greek words, labyrinthos 'maze' and odont 'tooth'. These extinct amphibians had teeth that were maze-like inside, so the name means 'maze-tooth' and helps explain their complex teeth.