Definition

Proper noun: * A taxonomic genus within the family Balaenopteridae: The genus comprising the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), a large baleen whale known for its long pectoral fins, complex songs, and acrobatic breaches.

Usage

• Genus Megaptera is used in formal scientific and zoological contexts to classify and discuss the humpback whale as a distinct taxonomic group.
• It is always capitalized.

Examples

• The humpback whale is the sole extant species in genus Megaptera.
• Taxonomic studies place genus Megaptera within the rorqual family, Balaenopteridae.
• Researchers are comparing the migratory patterns of genus Megaptera with those of other baleen whale genera.

Advanced Usage

• The name Megaptera is derived from Greek, meaning "giant wing," a reference to the whale's exceptionally long pectoral flippers.

Variants and Related Words

• Megaptera novaeangliae (n): The binomial nomenclature (scientific name) for the humpback whale, specifying both the genus () and the species ().
• Humpback whale (n): The common name for the sole species within genus Megaptera.

Synonyms

• Humpback whale (when referring to the species that constitutes the genus).

Noun

1. humpback whales