LOPHIODON Meaning and
Definition
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Lophiodon is a genus of prehistoric mammals that belongs to the order Perissodactyla, which includes modern-day horses, rhinoceroses, and tapirs. These extinct creatures lived during the Eocene epoch, approximately 45 to 35 million years ago.
Lophiodon had a diverse range of species within its genus, all sharing certain characteristics. These animals were large and bulky, standing about one meter at the shoulder and measuring up to three meters in length. They possessed a short trunk-like snout, which indicates that they were herbivorous and likely fed on leaves and vegetation.
One of the most distinctive features of Lophiodon is their teeth. They had a unique dental structure with high-crowned molars and small incisors. The molars had ridges and crests (lophs) on their surface, which is believed to have been an adaptation for grinding and processing tough plant material.
Lophiodon inhabited forested environments and likely lived in small herds for protection against predators. Fossil remains of Lophiodon have been discovered in Europe, North America, and Asia, indicating that these animals had a wide distribution.
The study of Lophiodon provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of ancient herbivorous mammals. Their unique dental features suggest specialized feeding adaptations, and their presence in various parts of the world indicates their successful adaptation and spread during the Eocene epoch.
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In geol., an extinct tapir-like pachyderm of the Tertiary epoch, having crested teeth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LOPHIODON
- lophidion
- lophiodont
- liphiodon
- lkphiodon
- llphiodon
- lpphiodon
- l0phiodon
- l9phiodon
- loohiodon
- lolhiodon
- lo-hiodon
- lo0hiodon
- lopgiodon
- lopbiodon
- lopniodon
- lopjiodon
- lopuiodon
- lopyiodon
- lophuodon
- lophjodon
Etymology of LOPHIODON
The word "Lophiodon" has its etymology rooted in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "lophos" and "odous" (ὄφρς and οδούς), which respectively mean "crest" and "tooth". The name "Lophiodon" was given to a prehistoric mammal genus that existed during the Eocene epoch, known for having cusped and ridged teeth resembling crests.
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