CORYPHODON Meaning and
Definition
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Coryphodon is an extinct genus of large, mammalian land-dwelling animals that belonged to a group known as the Pantodonts. These creatures lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, approximately 60 to 45 million years ago.
The word "Coryphodon" is derived from Greek roots. "Koryphé" translates to "head" or "top," while "odón" means "tooth." This name alludes to the distinguishing feature of Coryphodon, which is its prominent cusped teeth.
Coryphodon resembled a cross between a modern-day hippopotamus and a tapir. They were large animals, with estimates suggesting they could have reached up to 4 meters in length and weighed around one tonne. Their bodies were robust, with strong limbs and a thick and barrel-shaped torso.
The most notable characteristic of Coryphodon was its well-developed dentition. Its teeth were adapted to an herbivorous diet, featuring high crowns filled with pointed cusps that facilitated grinding and chewing plant material.
In addition to its specialized teeth, Coryphodon had a long snout and a broad, flat skull. These adaptations likely allowed it to feed on a variety of vegetation found in the forests and wetlands of its time.
Coryphodon is considered an important fossil taxon in understanding the evolution of mammals. The discovery of its fossils has provided valuable insight into the diversity and ecology of terrestrial animals during the early Cenozoic era.
Common Misspellings for CORYPHODON
- xoryphodon
- voryphodon
- foryphodon
- doryphodon
- ciryphodon
- ckryphodon
- clryphodon
- cpryphodon
- c0ryphodon
- c9ryphodon
- coeyphodon
- codyphodon
- cofyphodon
- cotyphodon
- co5yphodon
- co4yphodon
- cortphodon
- corgphodon
- corhphodon
- coruphodon
Etymology of CORYPHODON
The word "Coryphodon" has its roots in the Ancient Greek language. It is a combination of the Greek words "koryphē" (κορυφή), meaning "head" or "top", and "odōn" (ὀδών), meaning "tooth". Therefore, "Coryphodon" translates to "head tooth" or "top tooth" in reference to this prehistoric mammal's prominent front teeth.
Similar spelling words for CORYPHODON
- Corvaton,
- Crafton,
- Crofton,
- Croffton,
- gravidin,
- gravettian,
- grifton,
- carphedon,
- grovetown,
- croughton,
- grafton,
- graviton,
- whip-graftin,
- Korvatone,
- CRVDN,
- gravitino.
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