Definition

Proper noun (Biology/Taxonomy): - A taxonomic genus within the family Monodontidae, containing the single living species Delphinapterus leucas, commonly known as the beluga whale or white whale. The genus name is used to classify this specific type of toothed whale, characterized by its distinctive white coloration in adulthood, lack of a dorsal fin, and highly flexible neck.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The marine biologist specialized in studying genus Delphinapterus.
  • Genus Delphinapterus is monotypic, meaning it contains only one extant species.
  • The fossil record provides insights into the evolution of genus Delphinapterus.

Advanced Usage

• In formal scientific writing, the genus name is always italicized and capitalized: Delphinapterus. When used in a general sense, "the genus " is a common phrasing.
  • Recent genetic studies have clarified the phylogenetic position of the genus Delphinapterus.

Variants and Related Words

• Delphinapterus leucas (n): The full binomial (scientific) name for the beluga whale, consisting of the genus name () and the species epithet ().
• Monodontidae (n): The cetacean family that includes the genus and the genus (the narwhal).
• Beluga (n) / Beluga whale (n): The common name for the whale classified under this genus.

Synonyms

• Beluga genus: An informal way to refer to the taxonomic group.
• (Note: In precise scientific taxonomy, genus names do not have true synonyms, as they are unique identifiers.)

Related Phrases / Terms

• Type genus: is the type genus for the subfamily Delphinapterinae.
• Monotypic genus: A genus that, in its current classification, contains only one recognized species.

Noun

1. white whale