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

1. widely distributed in grasslands of northern United States and Canada