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Glite Dictionary
Sphenodon

Sphenodon

1 9.9
A reptile like a lizard living only in New Zealand and the last of an ancient group
  • noun
  • /ˈsfɛnədɒn/
  • Specialized
: Sphenodon
  • The Sphenodon is the sole surviving member of an ancient group of reptiles.

Examples

  • Did you know that the Sphenodon is often called a tuatara?

  • The conservation of Sphenodon is crucial due to its limited distribution in New Zealand.

  • Scientists studied the Sphenodon to learn more about its unique evolutionary history.

  • The Sphenodon is a unique reptile found in New Zealand.

  • Scientists studied the Sphenodon to learn more about its unique evolutionary history.

  • The Sphenodon is the sole surviving member of an ancient group of reptiles.

  • The conservation of Sphenodon is crucial due to its limited distribution in New Zealand.

Synonyms

tuatara
vsSphenodon
  • New Zealand
1 9.9

A reptile active at night that looks like a lizard and lives only in New Zealand

refers to the genus level grouping rather than the single surviving species
genus Sphenodon
vsSphenodon
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of reptiles that includes the tuatara from New Zealand

is identical in meaning but phrased with the explicit taxonomic label genus

Compounds

genus Sphenodon
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of reptiles that includes the tuatara from New Zealand

Sphenodon punctatum
  • Specialized
9.9

A New Zealand reptile that looks like a lizard but is the only living member of an ancient group

Surface Forms

Sphenodon singular
Sphenodons plural

Etymology

The word Sphenodon comes from the Greek parts sphen- 'wedge' and -odon 'tooth'. It literally means 'wedge-tooth', a handy image for the tuatara's unusual teeth and the reason scientists gave this name to that rare New Zealand reptile.