noun
- A large, primitive reptile native to New Zealand, resembling a lizard but belonging to a distinct order; also called a tuatara.
Usage: zoology; often capitalized when referring to the genus Hatteria
Examples
- The hatteria is one of the most ancient reptiles still living today.
- Scientists study the hatteria to understand reptile evolution.
- The hatteria has a third eye on top of its head, visible in juveniles.
- New Zealand protects the hatteria as an endangered species.
- Unlike most lizards, the hatteria has a slow metabolism and long lifespan.