Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of marsupial mammals: "Dasyuridae" refers to a taxonomic family of carnivorous marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. This family includes a diverse range of small to medium-sized species.

Usage

• The term "Dasyuridae" is used in scientific, zoological, and biological contexts to classify and discuss this specific family of marsupials. It is a formal taxonomic name.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Tasmanian devil is a well-known member of the Dasyuridae family.
  • Biologists study the evolutionary history of the Dasyuridae.

Advanced Usage

• "Dasyurid": This is the adjectival form or a common name for a member of the family.
  • The dasyurid fauna of New Guinea is particularly diverse.
• In phylogenetic studies, "Dasyuridae" is often discussed in relation to other marsupial families like Thylacinidae (the extinct Tasmanian tiger).

Variants and Related Words

• Dasyurid (n/adj): Pertaining to or a member of the family Dasyuridae.
  • The numbat is not a dasyurid; it belongs to a different family.
• Dasyure (n): A common name for many carnivorous marsupials within the Dasyuridae family.
  • The spotted-tailed quoll is a type of dasyure.

Synonyms

• Marsupial carnivores: A descriptive term for the ecological role of many Dasyuridae members.
• Pouched carnivores: Another descriptive synonym emphasizing their marsupial nature and diet.

Different Meanings

• The word "Dasyuridae" has a single, specific meaning in scientific classification. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Notes

• As a proper scientific name, "Dasyuridae" is always capitalized. It does not have phrasal verbs or idioms associated with it. The family includes animals such as quolls, dunnarts, the Tasmanian devil, and the now-extinct thylacine (though some classifications place the thylacine in a separate, closely related family).

Noun

1. dasyures; native cats; pouched mice; banded anteaters; Tasmanian devils