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Glite Dictionary
Sphenodon punctatum

Sphenodon punctatum

9.9
A New Zealand reptile that looks like a lizard but is the only living member of an ancient group
  • noun
  • Specialized
: Sphenodon punctatum
  • The Sphenodon punctatum is often referred to as the tuatara.

Examples

  • Scientists study the Sphenodon punctatum to learn about ancient reptilian lineages.

  • Conservation efforts have helped protect the rare Sphenodon punctatum from extinction.

  • The Sphenodon punctatum has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years.

  • Did you know that the Sphenodon punctatum can live over 100 years?

  • The Sphenodon punctatum, also known as tuatara, is a unique reptile found in New Zealand.

  • Researchers are fascinated by the Sphenodon punctatum because it is the last living representative of its ancient lineage.

  • Efforts to preserve the Sphenodon punctatum habitat are crucial for its survival in the wild.

Synonyms

tuatara
vsSphenodon punctatum
  • New Zealand
1 9.9

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

is the scientific name used for that species in formal contexts

Surface Forms

Sphenodon punctatum singular
Sphenodon punctatum plural

Morphology

Sphenodon + punctatum

This is a Latin binomial (scientific name) and functions as a taxonomic proper noun rather than a compositional English phrase; the meaning ‘a species of reptile (tuatara)’ requires domain knowledge of taxonomy. One constituent ('punctatum') is not an English word in the dictionary and the genus name is specialized, so a B1 learner who knows common English vocabulary would not be able to derive the biological species meaning from the parts alone.

Etymology

Sphenodon punctatum comes from old words: Sphenodon means 'wedge' and 'tooth' because of its wedge-shaped teeth, and punctatum means 'spotted'. So the name gives a simple picture of this rare, very old reptile and helps explain why it is the only living member of its group.