Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of amphibians: Genus Leptodactylus is the type genus (the genus that serves as the reference point) for the family Leptodactylidae. It comprises a group of frog species commonly known as "white-lipped frogs" or "tropical frogs," primarily found in Central and South America.

Usage Notes

• This is a highly specialized scientific term used in biological taxonomy (the science of naming and classifying organisms).
• It is always capitalized ( or simply ) as per the convention for genus names.
• It is used in academic, zoological, and herpetological contexts to refer to this specific group of frogs.

Examples

• In a scientific description: "The species belongs to the genus Leptodactylus."
• In a research paper: "This study compares the mating calls across several species within genus Leptodactylus."
• In a classification text: "Genus Leptodactylus is characterized by its robust body and distinct vocal sacs."

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Placement: The classification can be fluid. As noted, is the defining genus for the family Leptodactylidae. However, some alternative taxonomic systems have historically placed it within the family Bufonidae (the true toad family). This highlights that scientific classifications can change with new research.
  • Example: "In some older classifications, genus Leptodactylus was placed in the Bufonidae."

Variants and Related Words

• Leptodactylidae (n): The family of frogs for which is the type genus. These are often called "southern frogs" or "tropical frogs."
• Leptodactylus (n): The standardized, abbreviated form of the genus name used in binomial nomenclature (e.g., ).
• Leptodactyline (adj): A technical adjective meaning "of or pertaining to the genus or the family Leptodactylidae."

Synonyms

• There are no direct common-language synonyms for this precise taxonomic term. In informal contexts, one might refer to "the Leptodactylus genus" or "the Leptodactylus group of frogs."

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Type genus: The genus that contains the type species and defines the name of a family.
• Anura: The biological order comprising all frogs and toads, within which is classified.
• Bufonidae: The family of "true toads," from which is distinguished in modern taxonomy.

Noun

1. type genus of the Leptodactylidae; in some classifications placed in the family Bufonidae