Definition

Noun: - The biological genus that is the type genus of the family Ursidae (bears), primarily containing brown bears and closely related species: In taxonomy, genus Ursus is the central genus for the bear family. It classifies large, omnivorous mammals characterized by a robust build, plantigrade posture, and a short tail. The most well-known and widespread species is the brown bear (Ursus arctos). Some taxonomic systems broadly include all living bear species within this genus.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The grizzly bear is a subspecies within genus Ursus.
  • Scientists study the evolutionary history of genus Ursus to understand bear diversification.
  • Genus Ursus is distinguished from other bear genera by specific cranial and dental features.

Advanced Usage

• In a broad taxonomic sense: In some older or alternative classifications, the term is used expansively to encompass all major bear species, such as the American black bear () and the polar bear (), reflecting a different view of their phylogenetic relationships.
  • In that classification system, the polar bear is classified under genus Ursus.

Variants and Related Words

• Ursus (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, commonly used in scientific contexts.
  • The species is listed as Ursus arctos horribilis.
• Ursid (n): A member of the family Ursidae, which includes all bears.
  • The panda is an ursid, though not all classifications place it in genus Ursus.

Synonyms

• Bear genus: A general, non-scientific term for the taxonomic group containing bears.
• Type genus of Ursidae: The formal taxonomic designation.

Related Terms and Context

• Taxonomy: The science of classification. is a key unit in the taxonomy of mammals.
• Ursidae: The biological family name for all bears, of which is the type genus.
• Species: The principal species include the brown bear (), the American black bear (), the polar bear (), and the Asiatic black bear ().

Noun

1. type genus of Ursidae: brown bears; in some classifications genus Ursus includes all bears