Cotylosaur

/ˈkɒtɪloʊˌsɔːr/ noun

Definition

An extinct prehistoric reptile from a group called Cotylosauria, known for having socket-like hip joints.

Etymology

From Greek kotyle (cup) + sauros (lizard), referring to their distinctive cup-shaped hip socket structure that helped paleontologists identify and classify them.

Kelly Says

These ancient reptiles are named after their unique hip sockets, and these 'cup-like' joints actually represent an important step in how modern reptiles, dinosaurs, and mammals evolved different skeletal designs.

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