Definition

1. Noun:
   • A genus of carnivorous marsupials: "Dasyurus" is the type genus of the family Dasyuridae, which includes small to medium-sized, primarily carnivorous marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.
   • Commonly called "quolls" or "native cats": The species within this genus are often referred to by these common names due to their cat-like appearance and predatory habits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest species in the genus Dasyurus.
  • Scientists study the behavior of Dasyurus to understand marsupial carnivores better.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: Used in scientific literature to classify and discuss a specific group of marsupials.
  • The phylogenetic study focused on the evolutionary history of the genus Dasyurus.

Variants and Related Words

• Dasyurid (noun): Any member of the family Dasyuridae, which includes the genus as well as other marsupials like Tasmanian devils and antechinuses.
  • Many dasyurids are threatened by habitat loss.
• Quoll (noun): The common name for most species within the genus .
  • The eastern quoll is a nocturnal hunter.

Synonyms

• Native cat: A common, non-scientific synonym, particularly in Australian English.
• Marsupial cat: Another descriptive synonym highlighting its mammalian order and appearance.

Related Phrases

• Tiger quoll: A specific common name for , the spotted-tailed quoll.
  • The tiger quoll is an apex predator in its ecosystem.

Noun

1. type genus of the family Dasyuridae: native cats