SPALACOTHERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Spalacotherium is an extinct mammal genus that belonged to a group called Haramiyida. This small creature lived during the Mesozoic era, specifically in the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic periods, approximately 200 to 195 million years ago. Spalacotherium is known from fossil remains that have been discovered in Europe and North America.
The name Spalacotherium is derived from the Greek words "spalax," meaning mole, and "therion," meaning beast or animal. This name reflects its small size and the belief that it may have led a subterranean lifestyle similar to that of moles.
The morphology of Spalacotherium suggests it had a small, rodent-like body with short limbs and sharp claws. It likely had a long, slender snout and small eyes, indicating nocturnal habits. This mammal is thought to have been herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and seeds.
Spalacotherium is considered an important member of the Haramiyida group, which includes some of the earliest known mammals. These animals played a significant role in the evolutionary history of mammals, as they possessed characteristics that were considered ancestral to modern mammalian features. Studying fossils of Spalacotherium and other Haramiyida species contributes to our understanding of the origins and early diversification of mammals.
Overall, Spalacotherium was a small, herbivorous mammal that existed millions of years ago. Through paleontological research, scientists are continually gaining insight into its place in mammalian evolution.
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In geol., a mole-like insectivorous marsupial.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPALACOTHERIUM
- apalacotherium
- zpalacotherium
- xpalacotherium
- dpalacotherium
- epalacotherium
- wpalacotherium
- soalacotherium
- slalacotherium
- s-alacotherium
- s0alacotherium
- spzlacotherium
- spslacotherium
- spwlacotherium
- spqlacotherium
- spakacotherium
- spapacotherium
- spaoacotherium
- spalzcotherium
- spalscotherium
- spalwcotherium
Etymology of SPALACOTHERIUM
The word "spalacotherium" is derived from Greek roots. "Spalaco-" comes from the Greek word "spalax" meaning mole, and "-therium" comes from the Greek word "thērion" meaning beast or animal. Hence, "spalacotherium" translates to "mole-like beast" or "mole-like animal".
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