Amphicyonidae

/ˌæmfɪˈsaɪənɪdi/ noun

Definition

The family name for amphicyons, an extinct group of carnivorous mammals that lived during the Paleogene period.

Etymology

From 'amphicyon' + the taxonomic suffix '-idae,' used in biological nomenclature to designate families of organisms.

Kelly Says

The Amphicyonidae dominated for millions of years—they were the lions and tigers of the Eocene—but when climate changed and prey animals evolved, dogs and cats out-competed them because of their superior adaptations, showing evolution isn't always about being bigger.

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