Definition

Noun: * A taxonomic genus within the family Otariidae: This is the genus name for a specific type of sea lion, containing a single extant species, Eumetopias jubatus, commonly known as the Steller sea lion or northern sea lion.

Usage Notes

• Scientific Classification: The term "genus Eumetopias" is used primarily in scientific, zoological, and taxonomic contexts to classify and discuss this particular group of pinnipeds. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• Capitalization: In formal scientific writing, the genus name "Eumetopias" is always capitalized and italicized. When used in a general sense (e.g., "the genus "), the word "genus" is not italicized.
• Singular/Plural: The word "genus" is singular. Its plural form is "genera." Therefore, you would refer to " and other related genera."

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The genus Eumetopias is distinguished from other sea lion genera by its larger size and lighter coloration.
  • Conservation efforts are focused on protecting Eumetopias jubatus, the sole surviving species within the genus.
  • This fossil discovery may represent an ancestral species to the modern genus Eumetopias.

Advanced Usage

• Phylogenetics: In discussions of evolutionary relationships, "genus " is used to specify a clade or branch on the phylogenetic tree of otariids.
  • Molecular data suggests that the genus Eumetopias diverged from its closest relatives approximately 6 million years ago.

Variants and Related Words

• Eumetopias jubatus (n): The full binomial (scientific) name for the Steller sea lion, the only living species within the genus.
• Steller sea lion (n): The common name for .
• Northern sea lion (n): An alternative common name for the same species.
• Otariid (n): A member of the family Otariidae, which includes all sea lions and fur seals.

Synonyms

• Steller sea lion genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.
• (Note: In precise scientific taxonomy, genus names do not have direct synonyms, as they are unique identifiers.)

Related Phrases

• Member of the genus Eumetopias: A phrase used to describe an individual or species belonging to this taxonomic group.
  • The Steller sea lion is the only extant member of the genus Eumetopias.
• Type genus: While not specific to , this is a related taxonomic phrase. (A type genus is the genus that defines a family.)

Noun

1. sea lions