Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Phasianidae: This genus contains a single species, the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis). It is a biological classification grouping for this unique bird, which is native to the Congo Basin in central Africa.

Usage Notes

• The term "genus Afropavo" is used primarily in scientific, zoological, and ornithological contexts. It is a formal, taxonomic name.
• In standard English, the common name "Congo peafowl" is used far more frequently.
• The genus name is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing: .

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The biologist published a paper on the evolutionary history of the genus Afropavo.
  • The genus Afropavo is monotypic, meaning it contains only one living species.
  • DNA analysis confirmed the placement of the Congo peafowl within its own distinct genus, Afropavo.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name is a compound of "Afro-" (referring to Africa) and "pavo" (the Latin word for peafowl, and the genus name for the Asian peafowl). Thus, it literally means "African peafowl."

Variants and Related Words

• Congo peafowl (n): The common English name for the single species () within this genus.
• Peafowl (n): The general term for birds of the genera (Indian and Green peafowl) and .
• Phasianidae (n): The biological family that includes pheasants, partridges, chickens, and peafowl, to which the genus belongs.

Synonyms

• Congo peafowl (refers to the species, not the genus itself, but is the practical synonym in non-scientific language)

Noun

1. Congo peafowl