Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Camelidae: This is the scientific name for a biological genus that includes the vicuña (Vicugna vicugna), a South American camelid. The genus is characterized by its members' small size, fine wool, and adaptation to high-altitude environments in the Andes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Vicugna is native to the central Andes.
  • Scientists study genus Vicugna to understand high-altitude adaptation.
  • The alpaca was once thought to belong to genus Vicugna, but genetic studies placed it in genus Lama.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used in formal biological classification. It follows the binomial nomenclature system, where the first part (capitalized) is the genus name and the second part (lowercase) is the specific epithet to name a species (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) (n): The common name for the wild species that is the primary member of this genus. It is known for its extremely fine and valuable wool.
• Camelidae (n): The biological family that includes the genus , as well as genera like (camels), (llamas, guanacos, alpacas), and others.

Synonyms

• Vicugna (n): The genus name itself is the primary term; in non-scientific contexts, "vicuña genus" may be used descriptively.

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Genus Lama (n): A closely related genus within the same family (Camelidae) that includes the llama, guanaco, and alpaca. The alpaca () was reclassified from to based on genetic evidence.
• Taxon (n): A general term for any group or rank in biological classification (e.g., family, genus, species). is a specific taxon.

Noun

1. a genus of Camelidae