cetacea

Thân thiện

A blue whale, a member of the cetacea, surfaces in the ocean.

Definition

Noun: 1. An order of marine mammals: Cetacea is a scientific order within the class Mammalia. It includes all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Members of this order are fully aquatic, carnivorous mammals characterized by a streamlined body, forelimbs modified into flippers, and a tail with horizontal flukes for propulsion.

Usage

• The word Cetacea is used primarily in scientific, zoological, and academic contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of marine animals.
• It is typically treated as a singular proper noun when referring to the taxonomic order.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used precisely to denote this specific order. Example:

Variants and Related Words

• Cetacean (noun): A member of the order Cetacea (e.g., a whale, dolphin, or porpoise). Example:
• Cetacean (adjective): Of or relating to the order Cetacea. Example:

Synonyms

• Whales and dolphins (common, non-scientific term for the group)
• Marine mammals of the whale order (descriptive phrase)

Notes on Meaning

• The term Cetacea refers exclusively to the taxonomic classification. It does not include other marine mammals like seals (Pinnipedia) or manatees (Sirenia).
• The defining characteristics include complete adaptation to aquatic life, a blowhole for breathing, and a lack of hind limbs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an order of Eutheria

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Cetacea
• order Cetacea