Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Accipitridae: This is the scientific name for a specific genus of large, powerful birds of prey. The genus is monotypic, meaning it contains only one recognized extant (living) species.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Harpia" is a formal, scientific term used primarily in biological and ornithological contexts. It is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing ().
• In everyday language, the common name for the species within this genus is almost always used instead.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The eagle belongs to genus Harpia, which is part of the family Accipitridae.
  • A study comparing the morphology of genus Harpia to other neotropical eagles was published.
• General Context (using the common name):
  • The Harpy Eagle (from genus Harpia) is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to specify an organism's precise classification.
  • The full classification is: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order Accipitriformes, Family Accipitridae, Genus Harpia, Species H. harpyja.

Variants and Related Words

• Harpia (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, used interchangeably in scientific literature.
• Harpy Eagle (n): The common name for the species , the sole member of genus .
• Accipitridae (n): The bird family that includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. Genus is classified within this family.

Synonyms

• Harpia (Scientific synonym)
• Harpy Eagle genus (Descriptive synonym in non-scientific language)

Different Meanings

• Harpy (from Mythology): It is important to distinguish the biological genus Harpia from the mythological creature called a "harpy." The eagle's common name is derived from the mythological being due to its formidable size and power, but they are entirely different concepts. The scientific genus is not named after the mythological creature directly, but via the bird's common name.

Noun

1. a genus of Accipitridae