Portunidae
Definition
Proper noun (used with a singular or plural verb): * A taxonomic family of crustaceans within the infraorder Brachyura, commonly known as swimming crabs. These crabs are characterized by having the last pair of legs flattened into paddle-like structures, which they use for swimming.
Usage Notes
- Capitalization: As a proper noun referring to a specific biological family, "Portunidae" is always capitalized. The lowercase form "portunidae" may be seen in informal or older texts but is not standard in modern scientific writing.
- Verb Agreement: It can be used with a singular verb when referring to the family as a single taxonomic unit (e.g., "Portunidae includes many species") or with a plural verb when referring to the multiple members of the family (e.g., "Portunidae are found worldwide").
Examples
- The blue crab, , is one of the most commercially important species in the family Portunidae.
- Marine biologists are studying the migratory patterns of various Portunidae.
- Portunidae is distinguished from other crab families by its modified rear legs.
Advanced Usage
- In phylogenetic studies, Portunidae is often discussed in relation to other families within the Brachyura.
- The fossil record shows that Portunidae were already present in the Cretaceous period.
Variants and Related Words
- portunid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Portunidae; of or relating to the family Portunidae.
- Example: Several portunid species are harvested for food.
- swimming crab (noun): The common name for crabs belonging to the Portunidae family.
Synonyms
- swimming crabs (common name)
Different Meanings
This word has a single, specific meaning in the context of marine biology and zoological taxonomy. It does not have general English definitions outside of this scientific domain.
Noun
-
swimming crabs
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