Definition

Noun: A taxonomic category ranking below a family and above a species, used in the biological classification of mammals. It is a group of species that are closely related and share a common ancestor.

Usage

The term "mammal genus" is used in scientific and zoological contexts to classify and discuss groups of mammalian species. It is a specific type of genus within the class Mammalia. - The genus *Canis, which includes wolves, dogs, and coyotes, is a well-known mammal genus.* - Felis is the mammal genus containing small cat species like the domestic cat and the wildcat.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term specifies the level of classification. For example, in the sequence , "mammal genus" identifies a genus within the class Mammalia.
  • The discovery of a new fossil led to the proposal of a new mammal genus within the order Rodentia.

Variants and Related Words

• Genus (n.): The general taxonomic rank. "Mammal genus" is a specific instance of this rank.
  • The biologist studied the genus to understand evolutionary relationships.
• Mammal Family (n.): The taxonomic rank above genus.
  • The genus Panthera belongs to the mammal family Felidae.
• Mammal Species (n.): The taxonomic rank below genus.
  • Panthera leo (lion) and Panthera tigris (tiger) are two species within the same mammal genus.

Synonyms

• Taxonomic genus (for mammals)
• Generic group (in mammalogy)

Related Phrases

• Type genus: The genus that serves as the reference point for a family.
  • Felis is the type genus for the family Felidae.
• Genus name: The first part of a binomial species name, which is always capitalized and italicized.
  • In "Homo sapiens," Homo is the genus name.

Noun

1. a genus of mammals