erinaceidae

Thân thiện

A true hedgehog from the family Erinaceidae forages for insects in a garden at dusk.

Definition

Noun: - A family of mammals: Erinaceidae is the scientific family name for true hedgehogs. These are small, insectivorous mammals characterized by their distinctive coat of sharp spines.

Usage Notes

• This term is primarily used in scientific, zoological, or formal contexts when classifying animals. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
• It refers specifically to the biological family within the order Eulipotyphla, distinguishing true hedgehogs from other spiny animals like porcupines (which belong to a different family, Erethizontidae).

Examples

• Scientific Classification:
  • The common European hedgehog belongs to the family Erinaceidae.
  • Erinaceidae includes genera such as Erinaceus and Atelerix.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: The term is used to discuss evolutionary relationships, morphology, and biology.
  • Phylogenetic studies place the family Erinaceidae within the order Eulipotyphla.

Variants and Related Words

• Erinaceid (noun/adjective): A member of the Erinaceidae family; relating to this family.
  • The erinaceid's diet consists mainly of insects.

Synonyms

• Hedgehog family: A common, non-scientific synonym.
  • True hedgehogs are all members of the hedgehog family.

Học thuật

Noun

1. true hedgehogs

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Erinaceidae
• family Erinaceidae