Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Xenosauridae

Xenosauridae

9.9
A group of lizards from Mexico with rough scales and a unique look
  • noun
  • /ˌzɛnəˈsɔːrɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Xenosauridae
  • The Xenosauridae are only found in certain rocky regions of Mexico.

Examples

  • Scientists studied the scales of a specimen belonging to the Xenosauridae family.

  • Researchers are fascinated by the distinct appearance and scaly skin of the Xenosauridae lizards.

  • Herpetologists have long debated the evolutionary history of the Xenosauridae.

  • The Xenosauridae family includes unique lizards found in Mexico.

  • Did you know that Xenosauridae lizards have very scaly skin?

  • The Xenosauridae family includes unique lizards that thrive in the rocky habitats of Mexico.

  • In Mexico, the Xenosauridae are known for their adaptation to dry environments and rocky terrains.

Surface Forms

Xenosauridae singular
Xenosauridae plural

Morphology

Xenosauridae = Xenosaurus (semi-transparent) = xenosaur + idae

Formed from the genus name Xenosaurus plus the technical zoological suffix '-idae', which is regular but specialized vocabulary for learners.

Etymology

Xenosauridae is made of Greek parts that mean 'strange' and 'lizard' plus a common animal family ending. xeno- means 'strange', -saur- is the same part as in dinosaur meaning 'lizard', and -idae marks a 'family', so Xenosauridae literally means a 'family of strange lizards', which fits this unusual group of lizards from Mexico.