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Glite Dictionary
family Pterodactylidae

family Pterodactylidae

9.9
A group of extinct animals with wings that could fly
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˌpɛrəˈdæktɪlaɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Pterodactylidae
  • The family Pterodactylidae is known for its distinctive wing structure among pterosaurs.

Examples

  • Many species in the family Pterodactylidae lived during the late Jurassic period.

  • Scientists have discovered new fossils belonging to the family Pterodactylidae in South America.

  • The family Pterodactylidae includes some of the most fascinating flying reptiles.

  • Did you know the family Pterodactylidae existed during the Jurassic period?

  • Many species in the family Pterodactylidae lived during the late Jurassic period.

  • Scientists have discovered new fossils belonging to the family Pterodactylidae in South America.

  • The family Pterodactylidae is known for its distinctive wing structure among pterosaurs.

Synonyms

Pterodactylidae
vsfamily Pterodactylidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of extinct flying reptiles with long wings and toothed beaks that lived in dinosaur times

is described as present across the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods

Surface Forms

family Pterodactylidae singular
families Pterodactylidae plural

Morphology

family + Pterodactylidae

This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a scientific grouping) plus the proper taxon name 'Pterodactylidae' composes directly to mean 'the family called Pterodactylidae', i.e. a group of related species. The pattern 'family + taxon name' is a common, cross-linguistic scientific naming convention, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Family Pterodactylidae gets its name from Greek words ptero meaning 'wing' and dactyl meaning 'finger', so picture a long finger that helps spread a wing. The word 'family' shows it is a group of related reptiles that are no longer alive, so the name helps you remember they were winged animals.