pelycosaur
Noun: A pelycosaur is a member of an extinct group of primitive, mammal-like reptiles. They are characterized by being large, having a sprawling posture, and most notably, some species possessed a distinctive tall "sail" or fin on their back formed by elongated neural spines of the vertebrae. They lived during the Permian period and into the late Paleozoic era.
The word pelycosaur is used specifically in paleontology and discussions of prehistoric life. It refers to the animal itself, either as an individual or as a member of the broader group Pelycosauria. - The fossil record shows that pelycosaurs were among the dominant land vertebrates of the Early Permian. - Dimetrodon, with its iconic sail, is the most famous pelycosaur.
- As a taxonomic group: The term can be used to refer to the order Pelycosauria collectively.
- Pelycosaur anatomy provides crucial insights into the evolution of synapsids.
- Pelycosaurian (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of pelycosaurs.
- The pelycosaurian skeleton displayed clear adaptations for a terrestrial lifestyle.
The word pelycosaur has no other common meanings outside of its specific paleontological definition.
- Sail-backed reptile (descriptive, non-scientific)
- Primitive synapsid (broader taxonomic context)
There are no idioms containing the word pelycosaur.
There are no phrasal verbs containing the word pelycosaur.
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large primitive reptile having a tall spinal sail; of the Permian or late Paleozoic in Europe and North America
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