protomammal
/ˌproʊtoʊˈmæməl/
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of early mammal ancestors.
- Protomammal teeth were specialized for different diets, like plants or insects.
- The protomammal jawbone shows an early step toward the mammalian ear structure.
- The exhibit featured a protomammal skeleton with both reptilian and mammalian traits.
noun
- An early ancestor of mammals that lived before true mammals evolved, often having both reptilian and mammalian features.
- Fossils of a protomammal show a mix of scales and fur-like hair.
- Scientists believe protomammals were the first animals to develop a warm-blooded metabolism.
- The protomammal known as Dimetrodon had a sail on its back and lived long before dinosaurs.