Myocastor coypus
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, also known as the nutria or coypu. It is characterized by a robust body, webbed hind feet, a long, round, sparsely-haired tail, and prominent orange incisors. It is primarily valued for its fur.
Usage
- The myocastor coypus is an invasive species in many wetland areas outside its native range.
- Farmers once raised myocastor coypus on fur farms.
- The burrowing activity of myocastor coypus can damage riverbanks and levees.
Advanced Usage
- The species name Myocastor coypus is used in formal biological and ecological contexts to avoid confusion with other common names like 'nutria', which can refer to different animals in different regions.
Variants and Related Words
- Nutria (n): The most common common name for , especially in North America and Europe.
- Coypu (n): Another common name, derived from the Mapudungun language, often used in South America and the UK.
Synonyms
- Nutria
- Coypu
- River rat (informal, though this can refer to other rodents)
Related Terms (Biology/Ecology)
- Invasive species: A non-native organism that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. is often categorized as such.
- Semi-aquatic mammal: A mammal that lives partly in water and partly on land.
- Rodent: The order of mammals (Rodentia) to which belongs.
Noun
- aquatic South American rodent resembling a small beaver; bred for its fur