capromyidae

Thân thiện

A coypu from the family Capromyidae swims in a freshwater marsh.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of rodents: "Capromyidae" is the scientific name for a family of rodents commonly known as hutias. They are medium-sized, herbivorous mammals native to the Caribbean islands.
   • The taxonomic group containing hutias and coypus: Historically, this family classification included both hutias and the coypu (nutria), though modern taxonomy often places the coypu in a separate family (Echimyidae or Myocastoridae).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Capromyidae family includes several species of hutias found in Cuba and Jamaica.
  • Fossil records show that the diversity of Capromyidae was much greater in the past.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: Used in scientific literature to discuss the evolutionary history, morphology, or conservation status of these rodents.
  • The phylogenetic study aimed to clarify the position of Capromyidae within the infraorder Hystricognathi.

Variants and Related Words

• Hutia (n): The common name for most living rodents within the Capromyidae family.
  • The Desmarest's hutia is a surviving member of the Capromyidae.
• Coypu / Nutria (n): A large, semi-aquatic rodent. While once classified under Capromyidae, it is now typically placed in the family Myocastoridae.
  • The coypu, or nutria, was historically grouped within the Capromyidae.

Synonyms

• Hutia family: A less formal, descriptive synonym.
• West Indian hystricognath rodents: A descriptive term referencing their geographical location and taxonomic suborder.

Notes on Meaning

The primary and most current meaning of "Capromyidae" refers specifically to the family of hutias. The reference to "coypus" reflects an older taxonomic classification. In modern biological contexts, the term is primarily associated with hutias.

Học thuật

Noun

1. coypus

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Capromyidae
• family Capromyidae