labyrinthodont
/ˌlæbəˈrɪnθəˌdɑnt/
noun
- An extinct amphibian from the Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, known for its complex tooth structure.
- Scientists study labyrinthodonts to understand how early amphibians evolved.
- Fossils of a labyrinthodont were discovered in the ancient riverbed.
- The labyrinthodont had a broad, flat skull and strong limbs for crawling on land.
adjective
- Having teeth with a complex, folded pattern of enamel, characteristic of certain extinct amphibians.
- The labyrinthodont teeth show a distinctive maze-like structure under a microscope.
- Paleontologists use the labyrinthodont pattern to identify fossils of early tetrapods.
- This specimen's labyrinthodont jaw confirms it belongs to an ancient amphibian group.