family Tapiridae

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Definition

Proper noun A taxonomic family within the order Perissodactyla. This family comprises the tapirs and their extinct relatives. Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals with a distinctive prehensile snout, found in jungle and forest regions of Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

Usage Notes
  • "Family Tapiridae" is a scientific term used primarily in zoology, taxonomy, and paleontology.
  • It is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a specific biological family.
  • In common language, the members of this family are simply called "tapirs."
Examples
  • The family Tapiridae is one of the three surviving families of the order Perissodactyla, alongside horses and rhinoceroses.
  • All extant species within the family Tapiridae possess a short, flexible proboscis.
  • Fossil records show that the family Tapiridae was once more widespread than it is today.
Advanced Usage
  • In phylogenetic studies, the family Tapiridae is often discussed in relation to its sister group within the order.
  • The monophyly of the family Tapiridae is well-supported by both morphological and molecular data.
Variants and Related Words
  • Tapirid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Tapiridae; relating to this family.
    • The fossil was identified as a tapirid.
  • Tapir (noun): The common name for any living member of the family Tapiridae.
    • The Malayan tapir is the only Asian species.
Synonyms
  • Tapirs (when referring to the group collectively in non-taxonomic contexts).
Related Terms (Contextual)
  • Perissodactyla: The biological order to which the family belongs.
  • Tapiroidea: The superfamily that includes Tapiridae and its extinct close relatives.
  • Proboscis: The correct anatomical term for the tapir's flexible snout.
Noun
  1. tapirs and extinct related forms

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