Definition

Noun: - The amphibian family of spadefoot toads: A taxonomic family of frogs, commonly known as spadefoot toads, characterized by a hard, spade-like projection on their hind feet used for digging.

Usage Notes

"Family Pelobatidae" is a formal, scientific term used primarily in zoology, biology, and taxonomy. It refers to a specific group within the order Anura (frogs and toads). In everyday language, members of this family are called "spadefoot toads." The term is always capitalized as it is a proper noun denoting a taxonomic rank.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The family Pelobatidae is native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
  • Her research focuses on the evolutionary history of the family Pelobatidae.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to classify organisms. For example: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Amphibia, Order: Anura, Family: Pelobatidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Pelobatid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Pelobatidae; pertaining to this family.
  • The pelobatid species are well-adapted to arid environments.
• Spadefoot toad / Spadefoot (noun): The common name for frogs in this family.
  • We heard the distinct call of a spadefoot toad after the rain.

Synonyms

• Spadefoot toad family: A descriptive synonym.
• Pelobatids: A less formal term for members of the family.

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Amphibian: The larger class to which this family belongs.
• Anura: The order (frogs and toads) containing this family.
• Scaphiopodidae: The name for the North American spadefoot toad family in some modern taxonomic classifications, which was formerly included within Pelobatidae.

Noun

1. the amphibian family of spadefoot toads