Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of marsupial mammals: "family Dasyuridae" refers to a taxonomic family within the order Dasyuromorphia, comprising small to medium-sized carnivorous marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. Members are characterized by their pointed snouts and often sharp teeth.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The family Dasyuridae includes diverse species like quolls and the Tasmanian devil.
  • Biologists study the evolutionary history of the family Dasyuridae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: Used in scientific literature to classify and discuss this specific group of marsupials.
  • The specimen was definitively placed within the family Dasyuridae based on dental morphology.

Variants and Related Words

• Dasyurid (noun): A common name for any member of the family Dasyuridae.
  • The spotted-tailed quoll is a large dasyurid.
• Dasyurine (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of the family Dasyuridae.
  • The study focused on dasyurine reproductive biology.

Synonyms

• Dasyurid marsupials: A descriptive synonym emphasizing their marsupial nature.
• Marsupial carnivores: A broader functional descriptor for the group.

Related Phrases

• Member of the Dasyuridae: A phrase used to specify an organism's taxonomic classification.
  • The numbat was once considered a member of the Dasyuridae but is now in its own family.

Noun

1. dasyures; native cats; pouched mice; banded anteaters; Tasmanian devils