Definition

Noun: * A taxonomic genus of turtles: "Genus Sternotherus" is the scientific name for a specific group of freshwater turtles commonly known as musk turtles.

Usage

• The term "genus Sternotherus" is used in formal, scientific contexts such as biology, herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians), and taxonomy (the science of classification).
• It refers collectively to all the species within this genus. When referring to a single type, the species name is added (e.g., ).

Examples

• Scientific Classification: "The common musk turtle belongs to genus Sternotherus."
• Comparative Biology: "Researchers studied the shell morphology across genus Sternotherus."
• Formal Description: "Genus Sternotherus is characterized by a reduced plastron and the ability to emit a musky odor when threatened."

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to indicate a rank above "species" and below "family" (Kinosternidae). For example: "Family: Kinosternidae; Genus: Sternotherus; Species: ."

Variants and Related Words

• Sternotherus (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, often used in the same contexts (e.g., "Turtles of the genus ...").
• Musk turtle (n): The common name for any turtle within genus Sternotherus.
• Kinosternidae (n): The biological family to which genus Sternotherus belongs.

Synonyms

• Musk turtle genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.

Different Meanings

• This term has a single, specific meaning in scientific nomenclature. It does not have different everyday meanings.

Noun

1. musk turtles