Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of small carnivorous marsupials: "genus Phascogale" refers to a biological classification (genus) containing several species of small, insect-eating marsupials commonly known as phascogales or pouched mice. Members of this genus are characterized by their brush-tipped tails.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Phascogale" is a formal, scientific term used primarily in zoology, biology, and taxonomy. It is always capitalized.
• In common language, animals in this genus are more frequently referred to by their common names (e.g., phascogale, brush-tailed phascogale, or the historical term "pouched mice").

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The researcher published a paper on the evolutionary history of genus Phascogale.
  • Several species within genus Phascogale are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to specify a rank in biological classification. For example: Family: Dasyuridae; Genus: ; Species: (the brush-tailed phascogale).

Variants and Related Words

• Phascogale (n): The common name for any member of the genus . Often used with a descriptive prefix (e.g., brush-tailed phascogale, red-tailed phascogale).
• Pouched mouse (n): A historical or informal common name for animals in this genus, though they are not true mice.
• Dasyurid (n): A member of the family Dasyuridae, to which genus belongs. This is a broader category including quolls, Tasmanian devils, and other small marsupial carnivores.

Synonyms

• Brush-tailed marsupial mice (n): A descriptive synonym emphasizing their distinctive tail.
• (Members of the) Phascogale genus (n): A slightly less formal way to refer to the group.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and only meaning of "genus Phascogale" is as a taxonomic identifier in the biological sciences. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. The reference to "pouched mice" is a common name, not a direct synonym for the taxonomic term itself.

Noun

1. pouched mice