Difference between revisions of "Pachyderm"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m (punc) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | The '''Pachyderms''' were an obsolete artificial [[taxonomy|taxonomic]] grouping of several kinds of large, thick-skinned (hence the name) hoofed [[mammal]]s, including the [[elephant]]s, [[hippopotamus]]es, [[rhinoceros]]es, [[tapir]]s, [[peccary|peccaries]] and [[pig]]s | + | The '''Pachyderms''' were an obsolete artificial [[taxonomy|taxonomic]] grouping of several kinds of large, thick-skinned (hence the name) hoofed [[mammal]]s, including the [[elephant]]s, [[hippopotamus]]es, [[rhinoceros]]es, [[tapir]]s, [[peccary|peccaries]] and [[pig]]s. |
As the grouping was based on superficial similarities rather than any real kinship, it no longer enjoys any scientific currency, but the term is still occasionally used to refer, often humorously, to some of the larger and more impressive members of the grouping. | As the grouping was based on superficial similarities rather than any real kinship, it no longer enjoys any scientific currency, but the term is still occasionally used to refer, often humorously, to some of the larger and more impressive members of the grouping. | ||
[[Category:Mammals]] | [[Category:Mammals]] | ||
Revision as of 17:31, August 14, 2008
The Pachyderms were an obsolete artificial taxonomic grouping of several kinds of large, thick-skinned (hence the name) hoofed mammals, including the elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, tapirs, peccaries and pigs.
As the grouping was based on superficial similarities rather than any real kinship, it no longer enjoys any scientific currency, but the term is still occasionally used to refer, often humorously, to some of the larger and more impressive members of the grouping.