Sirenidae
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Definition
- Noun:
- Sirenidae: A family of aquatic salamanders that lack hind limbs and retain external gills throughout life. They are commonly known as sirens.
Usage
- Noun:
- The Sirenidae are found in the southeastern United States and northern Mexico.
- Biologists study the unique neotenic characteristics of the Sirenidae.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic context: Used to specify the family rank within biological classification.
- The genus Siren is classified under the family Sirenidae.
Variants and Related Words
- Siren (n): A common name for any member of the family Sirenidae.
- The lesser siren is a well-known species.
- Sirenian (n): This is a different, unrelated term referring to fully aquatic mammals like manatees and dugongs. Do not confuse with Sirenidae.
Synonyms
- Family Sirenidae: The full taxonomic designation.
- Sirens: The common name for members of this family.
Notes
- The word is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a taxonomic family name.
- It is used almost exclusively in scientific, biological, or zoological contexts.
Noun
- sirens