Definition

Proper noun: - Megalosauridae: A family of large carnivorous theropod dinosaurs from the Jurassic period. This family is part of the group Megalosauroidea and includes dinosaurs characterized by robust builds and bipedal locomotion.

Usage

• The term is used in scientific and paleontological contexts to classify a specific group of extinct dinosaurs.
• It functions as a singular proper noun referring to the taxonomic family.

Examples

• is the type genus for the family Megalosauridae.*

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy, "Megalosauridae" is a family-level rank. Discussions may involve its placement relative to other families like Allosauridae or Spinosauridae.
• The name is often used in phylogenetic analyses to describe evolutionary relationships among theropods.

Variants and Related Words

• Megalosaurid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Megalosauridae, or pertaining to it.
  • The femur belonged to a large megalosaurid.
• Megalosauroidea (proper noun): The superfamily that includes Megalosauridae and other related families.

Synonyms

• Megalosaurs: A common, less formal synonym referring to members of this family.
  • The megalosaurs were dominant predators of their time.

Notes

• As a taxonomic name, it is always capitalized.
• The term is highly specialized and rarely used outside of scientific literature concerning dinosaur classification.

Noun

1. megalosaurs