perissodactyl
Definition
Noun: A perissodactyl is a type of large, hoofed, placental mammal characterized by having an odd number of toes (usually one or three) on each foot. This order of mammals includes horses, rhinoceroses, and tapirs.
Usage
The word perissodactyl is a scientific term used primarily in zoology and paleontology to classify and describe this specific order of mammals. It is used as a countable noun. - The horse is a familiar example of a perissodactyl. - Fossil evidence shows that perissodactyls were once more diverse than they are today.
Advanced Usage
- Perissodactyl is often contrasted with artiodactyl, which is the order of even-toed ungulates (e.g., cows, deer, pigs).
- The main difference between the two groups is toe count: perissodactyls are odd-toed, while artiodactyls are even-toed.
Variants and Related Words
- Perissodactyla (proper noun): The scientific name for the order to which all perissodactyls belong.
- The order Perissodactyla is subdivided into three families.
- Perissodactylous (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of perissodactyls.
- The perissodactylous foot structure is a key identifying feature.
Synonyms
- Odd-toed ungulate: This is a direct, descriptive synonym.
- Rhinoceroses are odd-toed ungulates.
Antonyms
- Artiodactyl: A member of the order Artiodactyla, or even-toed ungulate.
- A cow is not a perissodactyl; it is an artiodactyl.
Noun
-
placental mammals having hooves with an odd number of toes on each foot
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