Cetacea
Definition
Noun: 1. An order of marine mammals: Cetacea is a scientific order within the class Mammalia. It includes all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Members of this order are fully aquatic, carnivorous mammals characterized by a streamlined body, forelimbs modified into flippers, and a tail with horizontal flukes for propulsion.
Usage
- The word Cetacea is used primarily in scientific, zoological, and academic contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of marine animals.
- It is typically treated as a singular proper noun when referring to the taxonomic order.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used precisely to denote this specific order. Example:
Variants and Related Words
- Cetacean (noun): A member of the order Cetacea (e.g., a whale, dolphin, or porpoise). Example:
- Cetacean (adjective): Of or relating to the order Cetacea. Example:
Synonyms
- Whales and dolphins (common, non-scientific term for the group)
- Marine mammals of the whale order (descriptive phrase)
Notes on Meaning
- The term Cetacea refers exclusively to the taxonomic classification. It does not include other marine mammals like seals (Pinnipedia) or manatees (Sirenia).
- The defining characteristics include complete adaptation to aquatic life, a blowhole for breathing, and a lack of hind limbs.
Noun
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an order of Eutheria
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