Definition

Proper noun * A species of pinniped: Arctocephalus philippi is the scientific name for a specific species of fur seal. This marine mammal is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Usage Notes

• This term is a taxonomic binomial name (genus + species) used in scientific classification. It is always written in italics, with the genus name () capitalized and the species epithet () in lowercase.
• In everyday language, this animal is more commonly referred to by its common name.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The research paper focused on the migratory patterns of Arctocephalus philippi.
  • A stranded Arctocephalus philippi was rescued and rehabilitated by the marine center.

Advanced Usage

• The name is an eponym, honoring a person (likely the naturalist Rodolfo Amando Philippi). In taxonomic writing, the authority who first described the species may follow the name: (Peters, 1866).

Variants and Related Words

• Common Name: Guadalupe fur seal. This is the standard English name for this species.
• Genus: (a genus of fur seals known as "southern fur seals").
• Family: Otariidae (the family of eared seals, which includes fur seals and sea lions).

Synonyms

• Guadalupe fur seal

Related Terms

• Pinniped: The larger group of fin-footed, semiaquatic marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses.
• Eared seal: A common name for members of the family Otariidae, which have small external ear flaps, unlike true seals (Phocidae).

Noun

1. a fur seal of the Pacific coast of California and southward