Definition

Noun 1. A genus of mammals in the family Hyaenidae, containing a single extant species, the aardwolf (Proteles cristata). This genus is characterized by a specialized diet of termites, a more slender build than other hyenas, and distinctive vertical stripes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Genus Proteles is a unique member of the hyena family.
  • The aardwolf is the only living species within the genus Proteles.
  • Scientists study genus Proteles to understand the evolution of insectivory in carnivores.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: The term is primarily used in scientific, zoological, and taxonomic writing to classify the aardwolf. It is often italicized in formal texts.
  • The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of genus Proteles within Hyaenidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Proteles (n): The abbreviated, one-word form of the genus name, used interchangeably in scientific contexts.
  • Fossil evidence for Proteles is scarce.
• aardwolf (n): The common name for the sole living species, .
  • The aardwolf uses its long tongue to eat termites.

Synonyms

• Aardwolf genus: A descriptive synonym in plain language.

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Hyaenidae (n): The biological family to which this genus belongs, which also includes spotted, brown, and striped hyenas.
• Insectivore (n): An animal that feeds primarily on insects, describing the primary dietary habit of this genus.

Noun

1. aardwolf