Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus: Sula is the type genus of the Sulidae family, which comprises seabirds commonly known as boobies and gannets. In biological classification, a type genus is the genus that defines a family.

Usage

• The word is used almost exclusively in scientific and zoological contexts to refer to this specific genus of birds.
• It is a proper noun and is typically capitalized.

Examples

• Scientific Classification:
  • The red-footed booby is classified under the genus Sula.
  • Ornithologists study the feeding habits of Sula species.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The genus is part of the order Suliformes. When discussing evolutionary biology or systematics, the genus name is used formally and italicized.
  • The phylogenetic study focused on the relationship between Sula and Morus (the gannet genus).

Variants and Related Words

• Sulid (noun): A member of the family Sulidae; a booby or gannet.
  • The island is a nesting ground for various sulids.
• Sulidae (noun): The bird family containing the genera and .
  • The Sulidae are known for their plunge-diving hunting technique.

Synonyms

• Booby genus: An informal descriptive synonym referencing the common name of the birds within this genus.
  • The booby genus includes species like the blue-footed booby.

Notes

• is a specialized term. In general English, the common names of the birds (e.g., booby, gannet) are used instead of the genus name.
• There is no idiomatic or phrasal verb usage associated with this proper noun.

Noun

1. type genus of the Sulidae