MULTITUBERCULATE Meaning and
Definition
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A multituberculate refers to a member of an extinct order of mammals known as Multituberculata. These creatures existed during the Mesozoic and early Paleogene periods, dating back approximately 225 to 35 million years ago. Multituberculates were small, rodent-like mammals that exhibited unique dental characteristics, which distinguished them from other mammalian groups.
The name "multituberculate" can be deciphered by breaking it into two parts: "multi-" meaning many and "tuberculate" referring to the numerous tubercles or small bumps found on their molars. This dental feature was essential for the multituberculates' herbivorous or omnivorous diet. The molar tubercles formed complex patterns, allowing these mammals to grind and chew their food effectively.
Multituberculates had a diverse array of species with varying sizes and adaptations. Some species were cursorial, possessing long limbs suited for swift movements, while others were arboreal, with specialized limbs for tree-dwelling. They were distributed worldwide, occupying various ecosystems such as forests, plains, and even mountainous regions.
The extinction of multituberculates occurred during the early Paleogene period, most likely due to competition with emerging groups of mammals, such as rodents. Despite their extinction, multituberculates played an important role in the evolution of mammals, representing one of the most successful radiations of mammalian groups in the history of life on Earth.
Common Misspellings for MULTITUBERCULATE
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- multitube rculate
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- multituberculat e
Etymology of MULTITUBERCULATE
The word "multituberculate" is derived from two Latin roots: "multi-" meaning many, and "tuberculus" meaning a small rounded projection or bump. The term was coined in the early 20th century by paleontologists to describe a group of extinct mammals known as Multituberculata, which were characterized by their multiple cusps or bumps on their teeth. These mammals existed from the Late Jurassic to the Early Paleogene period and were one of the most successful groups of mammals during the Mesozoic era.
