megathere

Thân thiện

A paleontologist carefully uncovers the fossilized skeleton of a megathere.

Definition

Noun: * Gigantic extinct terrestrial sloth-like mammal: A megathere is a type of enormous, ground-dwelling mammal that is now extinct. It resembled a sloth but was much larger and lived during the geological epochs known as the Pliocene and Pleistocene, primarily in the Americas.

Usage

The word megathere is a scientific term used in paleontology and discussions of prehistoric life. It refers specifically to members of the extinct family Megatheriidae. * Fossil evidence suggests the megathere was one of the largest land mammals of its time. * Scientists study megathere remains to understand the climate and ecology of prehistoric America.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a broader sense to symbolize or describe anything of immense, archaic, or ponderous size.
  • The old factory stood like a rusting megathere against the skyline.

Variants and Related Words

• Megatherium (n): The type genus of the family. "Megatherium" is often used interchangeably with "megathere" in general contexts, though it is more technically precise.
  • The most famous species is Megatherium americanum.
• Megatheriid (n/adj): (Noun) A member of the family. (Adjective) Relating to this family.
  • The megathere is a well-known megatheriid.

Synonyms

• Giant ground sloth: A common descriptive name for the .
• Megatherium: As noted above, a closely related scientific term.

Related Phrases

• Pleistocene megafauna: are a classic example of the large animals (megafauna) that lived during the Pleistocene epoch.

Học thuật

Noun

1. gigantic extinct terrestrial sloth-like mammal of the Pliocene and Pleistocene in America

Từ đồng nghĩa

• ground sloth