MACROTHERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Macrotherium is a genus of extinct mammals belonging to the family Brontotheriidae. The term derives from the Greek words "makrós," meaning large or great, and "theríon," meaning wild animal or beast. It refers to the significant size of the animal within this group, known for its massive body proportions.
Macrotherium fossils have been found primarily in North America and Eurasia, dating back to the Eocene epoch, from approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago. These animals were herbivorous and primarily grazed on vegetation that was abundant during their time. They were characterized by their long limbs and stocky bodies, resembling a combination of rhinoceros and horse-like features.
These mammals had a height ranging between 1.8 to 4 meters (6 to 13 feet) at the shoulder and weighed up to several tons. They possessed large, curved, and downward-pointing horns on their heads. These horns were likely used for defense, combat, or display purposes.
Macrotherium played a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabited, contributing to the consumption and dispersal of plant seeds throughout their environment. Their extinction possibly resulted from a combination of climatic changes and competition with other herbivorous mammals.
The study of Macrotherium contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary history of large-bodied herbivores, the paleoclimate of ancient ecosystems, and the overall biodiversity present during the Eocene epoch.
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In geol., a genus of edentate mammals from the Miocene Tertiarics of Europe, having affinities to the African ant-eater, but six or eight times larger.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MACROTHERIUM
- nacrotherium
- kacrotherium
- jacrotherium
- mzcrotherium
- mscrotherium
- mwcrotherium
- mqcrotherium
- maxrotherium
- mavrotherium
- mafrotherium
- madrotherium
- maceotherium
- macdotherium
- macfotherium
- mactotherium
- mac5otherium
- mac4otherium
- macritherium
- macrktherium
- macrltherium
Etymology of MACROTHERIUM
The word "Macrotherium" is derived from two Greek words: "makros" meaning "large", and "therion" meaning "beast".
"Macrotherium" is the scientific name of an extinct genus of large terrestrial mammals that lived during the Oligocene epoch approximately 33 million years ago. The name was given to these animals due to their significant size, with some species reaching similar proportions to modern-day elephants. The term "Macrotherium" therefore aptly describes these ancient, giant beasts.
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