Microtus pennsylvaticus
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Definition
Noun: * Microtus pennsylvaticus: A widely distributed small rodent of the genus Microtus, commonly known as the meadow vole. It is characterized by a stocky body, short legs, a short tail, and a blunt nose, and it primarily inhabits grasslands, meadows, and fields in northern regions of the United States and Canada.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The field study focused on the population density of Microtus pennsylvaticus in the restored prairie.
- Predators such as hawks and foxes rely heavily on Microtus pennsylvaticus as a food source.
- Researchers identified the species as Microtus pennsylvaticus based on its dental patterns and habitat.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific literature, the binomial name Microtus pennsylvaticus is always italicized. In formal writing, after the first full mention, it is often abbreviated as .
- The trapping data confirmed a high density of Microtus pennsylvaticus. Subsequent analysis of M. pennsylvaticus diet revealed a preference for grasses.
Variants and Related Words
- Meadow vole (n): The common name for .
- The meadow vole is often mistaken for a mouse.
- Field mouse (n): A general, non-scientific term sometimes used colloquially to refer to voles like , though they are taxonomically distinct from true mice.
- Vole (n): The common name for rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae, which includes the genus .
Synonyms
- Meadow vole (n): The standard common name.
- Field mouse (n): A loose, informal synonym.
Related Terms (Scientific Context)
- Genus Microtus (n): The taxonomic genus containing many vole species, including .
- Rodent (n): The order (Rodentia) to which this species belongs.
- Herbivore (n): Describes its primary diet of grasses and other vegetation.
Noun
- widely distributed in grasslands of northern United States and Canada