Testudines
Definition
Noun 1. An order of reptiles comprising turtles, tortoises, and terrapins: "Testudines" is the scientific, taxonomic order name for all living and extinct species of turtles. This group is characterized by a bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs that acts as a shield.
Usage Notes
- "Testudines" is a formal, scientific term used primarily in zoological, biological, and paleontological contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
- It functions as a plural noun (like "data" or "species") referring to the entire order. The singular form is less common but can be "testudine" when referring to a single member of the order.
Examples
- Scientific Context:
- The order Testudines is one of the most ancient groups of reptiles, dating back over 200 million years.
- Fossil evidence shows that Testudines were diverse during the Mesozoic era.
- Conservation efforts are crucial for many species within Testudines.
Advanced Usage
- As a taxonomic rank: The term is used to classify organisms in the hierarchy: Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species. "Testudines" sits at the order level.
- The class Reptilia includes the orders Squamata (lizards and snakes), Crocodilia, and Testudines.
Variants and Related Words
- Testudinate (adj): Of or relating to the order Testudines; turtle-like.
- The fossil exhibited clear testudinate characteristics.
- Chelonian (n/adj): A common synonym for a member of the order Testudines, or relating to turtles and tortoises. This term is also scientific but is sometimes used in semi-technical writing (e.g., conservation reports).
- The chelonian population in the wetland is stable.
Synonyms
- Chelonians (n): The most direct synonym, referring to all turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.
- Turtles (n): In broad biological usage (especially American English), "turtles" can encompass the entire order, including tortoises and terrapins. In casual usage, it may refer more specifically to aquatic or semi-aquatic species.
Related Phrases / Terminology
- Cryptodira (n): The taxonomic suborder containing most living turtles (hidden-necked turtles).
- Pleurodira (n): The taxonomic suborder containing side-necked turtles.
- Carapace (n): The hard, dorsal (top) part of a turtle's shell.
- Plastron (n): The hard, ventral (bottom) part of a turtle's shell.
Noun
-
tortoises and turtles
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "Testudines"