AMPHICYON Meaning and
Definition
-
Amphicyon is a noun that refers to a fossil mammal genus belonging to the extinct family Amphicyonidae. It lived from the Middle Eocene epoch to the Early Miocene epoch, between approximately 40 and 10 million years ago. The name "Amphicyon" is derived from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "both" and "cyon" meaning "dog," which accurately depicts the nature of this animal since it displayed characteristics of both bears and dogs.
Amphicyons were large carnivorous mammals that resembled modern-day bears, but possessed a more elongated body and a head that resembled that of a dog. They had strong jaws armed with sharp teeth, specialized for efficient meat-eating. These creatures were formidable predators capable of taking down a wide range of prey, from small mammals to larger herbivores.
The skeletal structure of Amphicyons indicates that they were terrestrial animals, with a robust build and a plantigrade stance, meaning they walked on the soles of their feet. Their limbs were well-adapted for both walking and running, suggesting they were capable of chasing down their prey.
Amphicyons had a widespread distribution, with fossil remains found in Europe, Asia, and North America. They played an important role in the ecosystems they inhabited, filling the ecological niche of large carnivores. As the biological ancestors of modern-day canids, Amphicyons represent an important chapter in the evolutionary history of mammals and aid scientists in understanding the development of carnivorous mammals.
-
A fossil carnivorous quadruped.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for AMPHICYON
- zmphicyon
- smphicyon
- wmphicyon
- qmphicyon
- anphicyon
- akphicyon
- ajphicyon
- amohicyon
- amlhicyon
- am-hicyon
- am0hicyon
- ampgicyon
- ampbicyon
- ampnicyon
- ampjicyon
- ampuicyon
- ampyicyon
- amphucyon
- amphjcyon
- amphkcyon
Etymology of AMPHICYON
The word "amphicyon" is derived from the Greek roots "amphi" meaning "both" or "double", and "kyon" meaning "dog". Therefore, "amphicyon" translates to "both-dog" or "double-dog". This name was given to a prehistoric genus of mammalian carnivores known as "amphicyonids" or "bear dogs" due to their combination of bear and dog-like physical characteristics.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
