genus bradypus
Học thuậtThân thiện
The three-toed sloth, genus Bradypus, hangs from a tree branch in the rainforest.
Definition
Noun 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Bradypodidae: This is the genus name for the group of mammals commonly known as three-toed sloths. It is the type genus for its family, meaning it is the genus that defines the family Bradypodidae.
Usage Notes
- "Genus Bradypus" is a formal, scientific term used in biological classification (taxonomy).
- It is always written in italics () in scientific literature. The word "genus" may or may not be italicized, but the genus name always is.
- It is used to categorize and distinguish this specific group of sloths from the two-toed sloths, which belong to a different genus () and family (Megalonychidae).
Examples
- In scientific description: "The three-toed sloth belongs to ."
- In comparative biology: "A key difference between and is the number of digits on their forelimbs."
- In classification: "The family Bradypodidae contains only one extant genus: ."
Advanced Usage
- Binomial Nomenclature: Species within this genus are identified by a two-part name. For example, the pale-throated sloth is . Here, is the genus name.
- Phylogenetic Context: The term is used in evolutionary and genetic studies to discuss the lineage and relationships of three-toed sloths.
Variants and Related Words
- Bradypodidae (n): The biological family to which the genus belongs.
- Three-toed sloth (n): The common name for any species within the genus .
- Bradypus tridactylus (n): The binomial name for the pale-throated sloth, a species within the genus.
- Bradypus variegatus (n): The binomial name for the brown-throated sloth, the most common and widespread species in the genus.
Synonyms
- Three-toed sloth genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.
Different Meanings
The term "genus Bradypus" has a single, specific meaning in scientific taxonomy. It does not have idiomatic or colloquial meanings.
The three-toed sloth, genus Bradypus, hangs from a tree branch in the rainforest.
Noun
- type genus of the Bradypodidae: three-toed sloths