Tetrapod - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A tetrapod is a vertebrate animal with four limbs or limb-like appendages, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The term also includes their evolutionary ancestors.
Definition:
A vertebrate animal with four limbs or limb-like appendages.
Synonyms:
quadruped, four-limbed vertebrate, quadrupedal animal
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
biped, invertebrate
Common Collocations:
tetrapod fossils, tetrapod evolution, tetrapod anatomy
Derivatives:
tetrapodal, tetrapody
Usage Tips:
Use "tetrapod" to describe animals with four limbs, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Common Phrases:
tetrapod ancestor, early tetrapods, land-dwelling tetrapods
Etymology:
From Greek "tetra-" (four) + "pous" (foot), meaning "four-footed."
Examples:
- 1. The first tetrapods evolved from fish millions of years ago.
- 2. Frogs are modern examples of tetrapods with strong hind limbs.
- 3. Scientists study tetrapod fossils to understand early land animals.
- 4. Birds are tetrapods, even though their forelimbs are wings.