Anguidae
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A family of lizards: Anguidae is the scientific name for a family of reptiles that includes alligator lizards, glass lizards, and slowworms. These lizards are characterized by elongated bodies, reduced or absent limbs in some species, and bony plates (osteoderms) under their scales.
Usage
- Scientific/Technical Context: The word is used almost exclusively in zoological and herpetological contexts to classify and discuss this specific family of lizards.
- The family Anguidae is widely distributed across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Her research focuses on the evolutionary history of Anguidae.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Hierarchy: In biological classification, "Anguidae" is a family-level rank. It is part of the suborder Anguimorpha within the order Squamata (which includes all lizards and snakes).
- The phylogenetic analysis confirmed its placement within the Anguidae.
Variants and Related Words
- Anguid (adjective/noun): Used to describe something belonging to or characteristic of the Anguidae family, or as a common name for a member of this family.
- The fossil displayed typical anguid osteoderms.
- Several anguids were observed basking on the rocks.
Synonyms
- Alligator lizard family: A common name-based synonym, though this specifically references one prominent genus ( and ) within the family.
- Glass lizard family: Another common name-based synonym, referencing the genus .
Notes on Meaning
- Specificity: "Anguidae" refers precisely to the entire biological family. It is not a general term for any lizard. The common names "alligator lizard" or "glass lizard" refer to specific genera or species the Anguidae family.
Noun
- alligator lizards