MERYCOTHERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Merycotherium is a genus of extinct herbivorous mammal that belongs to the family Entelodontidae. With its name derived from the Greek words "meryx" meaning ruminant and "therium" meaning wild beast, Merycotherium is commonly referred to as a "ruminant-like wild beast."
The species within the genus Merycotherium lived during the Oligocene epoch, approximately 33.3 to 23.8 million years ago. They were known to inhabit the vast grasslands and woodlands of North America. These creatures were relatively large, measuring about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length, with a robust build and a weight estimated to be around 200-500 kg (440-1100 lbs).
Merycotherium possessed many distinguishing features, including a long and slender head, powerful jaws armed with sharp teeth, and notable canine teeth that protruded outwards. It is believed that these canines were used for display purposes rather than for hunting or predation. Their limbs were sturdy and well-suited for supporting their body weight, enabling them to move swiftly across various terrains.
As herbivores, Merycotherium likely subsisted on a diet composed primarily of plant material. Fossil evidence indicates that they may have exploited a variety of food sources, such as leaves, fruits, and grasses, using their specialized teeth for efficient chewing and grinding.
Merycotherium represents an important part of Earth's evolutionary history and provides valuable insights into the adaptations of ancient mammals in response to changing environmental conditions.
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In geol., a huge ruminant found along with the mammoth and rhinoceros in the Drift or Upper Tertiary beds of Siberia-allied to the Bactrian camel.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MERYCOTHERIUM
- nerycotherium
- kerycotherium
- jerycotherium
- mwrycotherium
- msrycotherium
- mdrycotherium
- mrrycotherium
- m4rycotherium
- m3rycotherium
- meeycotherium
- medycotherium
- mefycotherium
- metycotherium
- me5ycotherium
- me4ycotherium
- mertcotherium
- mergcotherium
- merhcotherium
- merucotherium
- mer7cotherium
Etymology of MERYCOTHERIUM
The word "Merycotherium" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The first part of the word, "Meryco-", comes from the Greek word "merux" (μέρυξ), which means "part" or "division". This is combined with the Greek word "therion" (θηρίον), meaning "beast" or "animal".
The second part of the word, "-therium", is derived from the Latin suffix "-therium" (-therium/-theria). This suffix is used in taxonomy to denote a group of mammals. For example, words like "mammal" and "theriogenology" include this suffix.
Combining these parts, "Merycotherium" essentially means "partitioned beast" or "divided animal".
