brown lemming
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A small rodent species: The "brown lemming" is a specific species of lemming (Lemmus trimucronatus) native to the tundra regions of northwestern Canada and Alaska. It is characterized by its brown fur and is known for its population cycles.
Usage
- The brown lemming is a crucial part of the Arctic food web.
- Researchers are studying the population dynamics of the brown lemming.
Advanced Usage
- The term is used in ecological and zoological contexts to distinguish this specific species from others, such as the collared lemming or the Norway lemming.
- It is often cited in studies on predator-prey relationships, as its population booms directly affect the survival rates of Arctic foxes and snowy owls.
Variants and Related Words
- Lemming (n): The general term for small rodents of the subfamily Arvicolinae, to which the brown lemming belongs.
- Collared lemming (n): A different lemming species () known for turning white in winter.
Synonyms
- (n): The scientific binomial name for the brown lemming.
Related Phrases
- Lemming cycle (n): The periodic fluctuation in lemming populations, a phenomenon well-documented in species like the brown lemming.
Noun
- of northwestern Canada and Alaska