Ascaphidae
Definition
Proper noun 1. A taxonomic family of frogs: Ascaphidae is a family of frogs containing a single living genus, Ascaphus. This family is characterized by a unique "tail" (actually an extension of the cloaca) present in males, an adaptation for internal fertilization in fast-flowing streams. They are considered among the most primitive of living frogs.
Usage
- The Ascaphidae are of great interest to biologists studying amphibian evolution.
- The family Ascaphidae is represented by only two extant species, the coastal and Rocky Mountain tailed frogs.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic context: The name is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a specific biological family. It is often used in scientific literature discussing amphibian phylogeny or primitive anuran characteristics.
- The morphological features place it firmly within the Ascaphidae.
Variants and Related Words
- Ascaphus (proper noun): The sole genus within the family Ascaphidae.
- tailed frog (noun): The common name for frogs of the genus and family Ascaphidae.
- Leiopelmatidae (proper noun): A closely related family of primitive frogs (New Zealand's Leiopelma) sometimes grouped with Ascaphidae in the superfamily Ascaphoidae.
Synonyms
- family Ascaphidae (noun): The full taxonomic designation.
Related Terms (Biological Context)
- Anura (proper noun): The order of tailless amphibians to which Ascaphidae belongs.
- primitive frog (noun phrase): A descriptive term often applied to members of this family due to retained ancestral traits like vestigial tail-wagging muscles and primitive vertebrae.
Noun
-
family of one species of frog: tailed frog
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