Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Talpidae: This genus contains a single extant species, the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), characterized by its unique, fleshy, star-shaped appendage of 22 rays on its snout.

Usage Notes

• The term "genus Condylura" is used in formal scientific and zoological contexts to classify this specific group of moles. It is always italicized in print.
• In non-scientific writing, the common name "star-nosed mole" is almost always preferred.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The bizarre sensory organ is the defining feature of genus Condylura.
  • Biologists placed the newly discovered fossil within genus Condylura based on cranial structure.
• General Context (less common):
  • The animal guide included an entry on genus Condylura.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to denote a precise level of biological classification.
  • The taxonomic order is Eulipotyphla, family Talpidae, genus Condylura, species C. cristata.

Variants and Related Words

• Condylura (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, used identically in scientific literature.
• star-nosed mole (n): The common name for the sole species () within this genus.
• Talpidae (n): The biological family to which this genus belongs, encompassing all true moles and desmans.

Synonyms

• Star-nosed mole genus: A descriptive synonym used in layman's terms.

Related Phrases

• Member of Condylura: A phrase used to indicate an organism belonging to this genus.
  • The fossil is a member of Condylura.
• Type genus: While not specific to Condylura, in taxonomy, a "type genus" is the genus that defines a family. Condylura is genus within Talpidae, not the defining type genus for it.

Noun

1. star-nosed moles