An extinct member of a group of mammal-like reptiles from the Permian and Triassic periods that had dog-like teeth and were ancestors of true mammals.
From Greek 'kyon' (dog) plus 'odon' (tooth), literally 'dog-tooth.' Paleontologists named this fossil group in the 19th century based on their distinctive teeth.
Cynodonts are one of your most important ancestors—they slowly evolved the traits that became mammals (specialized teeth, efficient walking, warm blood) over millions of years!
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