Definition

Proper noun * Family Ochotonidae: A taxonomic family within the order Lagomorpha, comprising small, short-eared, tailless mammals known as pikas, as well as their extinct relatives. They are distinct from rabbits and hares (family Leporidae).

Usage

• Scientific Classification: Used primarily in biological and zoological contexts to classify a specific group of mammals.
  • The family Ochotonidae is one of the two living families in the order Lagomorpha.
  • Fossil records help paleontologists understand the evolution of the family Ochotonidae.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to specify a rank in the Linnaean classification system (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).
  • The genus Ochotona is placed within the family Ochotonidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Ochotonid (noun): A member of the family Ochotonidae; a pika.
  • The collared pika is a North American ochotonid.
• Pika (noun): The common name for the living members of this family.
  • Pikas are well-adapted to cold climates.

Synonyms

• Pika family: A less formal, descriptive synonym.
  • The pika family is found in North America and Asia.

Noun

1. pikas and extinct forms