Definition

Noun: * Genus Dolichotis: A genus of large, long-legged rodents within the family Caviidae, comprising the Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and the Chacoan mara (Dolichotis salinicola). These animals are native to open and semi-arid regions of South America and are notable for their hare-like appearance and cursorial (running) adaptations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Genus Dolichotis is distinguished from other caviids by its elongated limbs and digitigrade posture.
  • The Patagonian mara, a member of genus Dolichotis, is one of the largest rodent species in the world.
  • Taxonomists place the two species of maras within the genus Dolichotis.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Context: The term is used in scientific literature to classify and discuss the evolutionary relationships, morphology, and ecology of these specific rodents.
  • A recent phylogenetic study confirmed the monophyly of the genus Dolichotis.

Variants and Related Words

• Dolichotis (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, often used interchangeably in zoological contexts.
• Mara (n): The common name for any species within the genus .
• Patagonian mara () (n): The larger, more widely known species of the genus.
• Chacoan mara () (n): The smaller, lesser-known species of the genus.

Synonyms

• Maras (common name)
• Patagonian hares (descriptive common name, though they are not true hares)

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Caviidae (n): The biological family that includes , as well as guinea pigs () and capybaras ().
• Rodent (n): The order (Rodentia) to which this genus belongs.
• Cursorial (adj): An adjective describing animals adapted for running, a key characteristic of this genus.

Noun

1. maras