Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Dasyuridae: Genus Dasyurus is the type genus for the family Dasyuridae. It comprises carnivorous marsupials commonly known as quolls or "native cats," characterized by their spotted fur and primarily nocturnal habits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Genus Dasyurus includes several species found in Australia and New Guinea.
  • The tiger quoll, Dasyurus maculatus, is the largest member of genus Dasyurus.
  • Researchers are studying the population decline of species within genus Dasyurus.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The name is used in formal biological classification to group closely related species.
  • The specimen was definitively classified under genus Dasyurus.

Variants and Related Words

• Dasyurus (n): The standardized, non-Latinized form used in scientific and common discourse, synonymous with .
  • The behavior of Dasyurus is markedly different from that of other dasyurids.
• Dasyurid (n/adjective): A member of the family Dasyuridae; relating to that family.
  • The Tasmanian devil is another well-known dasyurid.

Synonyms

• Quolls (n): The common name for the species within this genus.
  • All quolls belong to the genus Dasyurus.

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, specific meaning in the field of zoology and biological taxonomy. It refers exclusively to a particular genus of marsupials and is not used in general language.

Noun

1. type genus of the family Dasyuridae: native cats