Definition

Noun: * A species of rodent: Baiomys taylori is the scientific name for a very small species of mouse, commonly known as the Northern Pygmy Mouse. It is characterized by its dark greyish-brown fur and physical resemblance to a common house mouse. Its native habitat includes regions of Texas and Mexico.

Usage

• The term is used in formal, scientific contexts such as biology, zoology, and ecology to precisely identify this specific species.
• It is typically used in written texts like research papers, field guides, and taxonomic databases.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on the population density of Baiomys taylori in southern Texas.
  • In the field guide, Baiomys taylori was listed as the smallest rodent in the region.
• General Descriptive Context:
  • Researchers confirmed the specimen was Baiomys taylori due to its size and distinctive coloration.

Advanced Usage

• Binomial Nomenclature: The name follows the standard binomial (two-part) naming system for organisms, where is the genus and is the specific epithet, often honoring a person (e.g., a naturalist named Taylor).
• Abbreviation: In repeated scientific text, it may be abbreviated after first use as .

Variants and Related Words

• Northern Pygmy Mouse: The common English name for .
• Genus Baiomys: The taxonomic group to which this species belongs, which includes other pygmy mice.
• Rodent: The larger order (Rodentia) of mammals that includes this species.

Synonyms

• Northern Pygmy Mouse (common name).

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Taxonomy: The science of classification where this term is used.
• Species: The fundamental category of biological classification.
• Morphology: The study of form, which would describe its "dark greyish brown" color and small size.

Noun

1. very small dark greyish brown mouse resembling a house mouse; of Texas and Mexico