Definition

Noun: - Family Casuaridae: A taxonomic family of large, flightless birds that are ostrich-like in appearance, characterized by their heavy build, powerful legs, and distinctive casque (helmet-like structure) on their heads. This family includes the cassowaries.

Usage Notes

• The term "Family Casuaridae" is used in formal biological and ornithological contexts to classify a specific group of ratite birds. It is a scientific, taxonomic designation.
• It is typically used in singular form when referring to the family as a single taxonomic unit.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The cassowary is the most well-known member of the Family Casuaridae.
  • Birds in the Family Casuaridae are native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The Family Casuaridae is part of the order Casuariiformes. Discussions of evolutionary biology or avian taxonomy often reference this family.
  • The phylogenetic study placed the extinct Genyornis within the broader group containing the Family Casuaridae.

Variants and Related Words

• Casuaridae: The same term, often used without "family" in technical writing.
• Casuariform: (Adjective) Relating to the order Casuariiformes, which includes the Family Casuaridae.
• Casuarius: The genus within Family Casuaridae that contains the living cassowary species.

Synonyms

• Cassowary family: A common, less formal name for Family Casuaridae.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Ratite: A broader biological group of flightless birds with a flat breastbone, which includes the Family Casuaridae, as well as ostriches, emus, rheas, and kiwis.
• Casque: The bony, helmet-like crest on the head of a cassowary, a defining feature of the Family Casuaridae.

Noun

1. a family of large ostrich-like birds including cassowaries