Definition

Noun: - The type genus of the family Ochotonidae: This is the genus name for a specific group of small mammals, commonly known as pikas. It is the central, representative genus for its family in biological classification.

Usage Notes

• This term is used exclusively in scientific contexts, specifically in zoology, mammalogy, and taxonomy. It refers to the biological classification rank (genus) that groups together closely related species of pikas.
• It is always capitalized when written in full (), and it is typically italicized in scientific literature ().

Examples

• Scientific Classification:
  • The American pika's scientific name is Ochotona princeps, placing it within the genus Ochotona.
  • The study focused on the evolutionary history of the genus Ochotona.

Advanced Usage

• In phylogenetic studies, is often used as a reference point when discussing the evolution of lagomorphs (the order that includes pikas, rabbits, and hares).
• "An Ochotona species": A common way to refer to any particular species within this genus.
  • Researchers discovered a new Ochotona species in the mountainous region.

Variants and Related Words

• Ochotona (n): The abbreviated, standard form of the genus name, used interchangeably in scientific writing.
  • The habitat of Ochotona is typically rocky alpine slopes.
• Ochotonidae (n): The family name to which this genus belongs.
  • The family Ochotonidae contains only the genus Ochotona.

Synonyms

• Pika genus: A common, non-scientific synonym that describes the same group of animals.
  • The pika genus is adapted to cold climates.

Different Meanings

This term has only one specific meaning in the English language: it is a proper noun referring to a biological genus. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

1. type genus of the Ochotonidae