Definition

Noun 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Mustelidae: In some biological classification systems, this is the genus name designated for the Eurasian badger (Meles meles). It is sometimes used as the type genus for the subfamily Melinae, which includes certain badgers.

Usage Notes

• The term 'genus Meles' is a scientific, taxonomic name. It is always written in italics, with the genus name () capitalized.
• It is used primarily in zoological, biological, and academic contexts when discussing the classification of species.
• In modern taxonomy, the classification of badgers is subject to revision. While is a recognized genus, its placement as the type for the subfamily Melinae is not universally applied in all classification systems.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The Eurasian badger is classified under genus Meles.
  • In that older taxonomy, genus Meles was considered the type genus for the subfamily.
  • The study focused on the behavioral ecology of species within genus Meles.

Advanced Usage

• Type Genus: In biological classification, a type genus is the genus that defines a family or subfamily. The phrase "type genus of the subfamily Melinae" means that is the representative genus upon which the subfamily Melinae is based.
  • Example: As the type genus, Meles provides the root for the subfamily name Melinae.

Variants and Related Words

• Meles (n): The standardized, one-word form of the genus name.
  • Example: The species is Meles meles.
• Melinae (n): The name of the subfamily for which is sometimes the type genus.
• Mustelidae (n): The broader family name, which includes weasels, otters, ferrets, and badgers.

Synonyms

• Taxonomic genus Meles: (Formal equivalent)
• The Meles genus: (A descriptive alternative)

Different Meanings

• This term has a single, specific meaning in scientific nomenclature. It does not have common, everyday definitions outside of taxonomic classification.

Noun

1. in some classifications: type genus of the subfamily Melinae