A FEW WORDS OPEN A WHOLE WORLD
The explorer’s glossary
Plain-language explanations for your next prehistoric discovery.
Clade
An evolutionary group containing an ancestor and its descendants.
Genus
A scientific rank grouping one or more closely related species. Tyrannosaurus is a genus; Tyrannosaurus rex is a species.
Holotype
The specimen designated as the name-bearing example of a newly described species.
Theropod
A dinosaur lineage that includes many familiar predators and all living birds.
Sauropodomorph
A lineage that includes long-necked sauropods and their earlier relatives.
Ornithischian
The dinosaur group that includes stegosaurs, ankylosaurs, ceratopsians and ornithopods.
Pterosaur
A flying reptile from an evolutionary group separate from dinosaurs.
Synapsid
A broad evolutionary lineage including mammals and their extinct relatives.
Formation
A named body of rock recognized by its geological characteristics.
Ma / mya
Millions of years ago. A geological age estimate, rather than a precise calendar date.
Nomen dubium
A name whose diagnostic basis is considered doubtful; its status may be debated.
Reconstruction
An interpretation of an animal or environment using preserved evidence and comparisons.
Further reference: University of California Museum of Paleontology glossary ↗