tzeuglodontia (ort as sh), zenglodon tidæ

pl. [Mod. Lat. zeuglodon (gen it. zeuglo dont(is); Lat. neut. pl. adj. suff. -ia, or fem.- idæ.] Palæont.: A group or family founded to include certain extinct Cetaceans of doubtful affinities. only known by fragmentary remains of Eocene age. In the anterior part of both jaws the teeth are simple, conical, or slightly compre ed, and sharp pointed. Dental formula: I. 3—3, с. 1—1, P. M. and м. 5-5-36. Skull elongated and much depre ed, brain-cavity very small, strong sagittal crest. The characters of the dorsal vertebræ and the articulation of the ribs appear to have resembled those of Platan ist a. Huxley considered these animals to have been intermediate between the true Cetaceans and the Seals. By some authorities the group is made to include Zeuglodon (=Phocodon), Squalo don, and Saurocetes. Prof. Flower substitutes for it a sub-order (Archæoceti), and makes the Squalodons a separate family. [SQUALODONTIDE.]