family didelphidae

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Definition

Noun: - Family Didelphidae: The biological family comprising opossums. This is the taxonomic classification for marsupials commonly known as opossums, which are primarily found in the Americas. Members of this family are characterized by their prehensile tails, opposable thumbs on the hind feet, and the female's pouch for carrying young.

Usage
  • The term "family Didelphidae" is used in scientific and zoological contexts to classify and discuss these marsupials as a group.
  • It is a formal taxonomic designation.
Examples
  • Scientific Classification:
    • The Virginia opossum belongs to the family Didelphidae.
    • Researchers are studying the evolutionary history of the family Didelphidae.
Advanced Usage
  • In phylogenetic studies, the family Didelphidae is often discussed as the largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere.
  • The term is used in contrast to other marsupial families like Phalangeridae (possums of Australia and New Guinea).
Variants and Related Words
  • Didelphid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Didelphidae; pertaining to this family.
    • The didelphid species exhibits unique foraging behavior.
  • Opossum (noun): The common name for many species within this family.
    • An opossum is a nocturnal didelphid.
Synonyms
  • Opossum family: A common, less formal synonym.
    • The opossum family is diverse, with over 100 species.
Notes
  • "Family Didelphidae" is a singular, collective noun. When referring to multiple families, the term remains "Didelphidae" but the verb conjugation may change (e.g., "The families Didelphidae and Macropodidae are compared").
  • Do not confuse with "possum," which typically refers to Australasian marsupials of different families.
Noun
  1. opossums

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