Definition

Noun 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Bradypodidae: This is the genus name for the group of mammals commonly known as three-toed sloths. It is the type genus for its family, meaning it is the genus that defines the family Bradypodidae.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Bradypus" is a formal, scientific term used in biological classification (taxonomy).
• It is always written in italics () in scientific literature. The word "genus" may or may not be italicized, but the genus name always is.
• It is used to categorize and distinguish this specific group of sloths from the two-toed sloths, which belong to a different genus () and family (Megalonychidae).

Examples

• In scientific description: "The three-toed sloth belongs to ."
• In comparative biology: "A key difference between and is the number of digits on their forelimbs."
• In classification: "The family Bradypodidae contains only one extant genus: ."

Advanced Usage

• Binomial Nomenclature: Species within this genus are identified by a two-part name. For example, the pale-throated sloth is . Here, is the genus name.
• Phylogenetic Context: The term is used in evolutionary and genetic studies to discuss the lineage and relationships of three-toed sloths.

Variants and Related Words

• Bradypodidae (n): The biological family to which the genus belongs.
• Three-toed sloth (n): The common name for any species within the genus .
• Bradypus tridactylus (n): The binomial name for the pale-throated sloth, a species within the genus.
• Bradypus variegatus (n): The binomial name for the brown-throated sloth, the most common and widespread species in the genus.

Synonyms

• Three-toed sloth genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.

Different Meanings

The term "genus Bradypus" has a single, specific meaning in scientific taxonomy. It does not have idiomatic or colloquial meanings.

Noun

1. type genus of the Bradypodidae: three-toed sloths