microtus
Definition
Noun: * A genus of small rodents in the family Cricetidae, commonly known as voles. These are herbivorous mammals found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by their stocky bodies, short legs, small ears, and blunt snouts.
Usage
- The word "Microtus" is a scientific, taxonomic name used in biology and zoology. It is always capitalized.
- It refers to the entire genus, which contains many species. When referring to a specific species, the genus name "Microtus" is followed by a species name (e.g., , the meadow vole).
Examples
- In a scientific context:
- The population dynamics of Microtus are often studied as a model for understanding rodent cycles.
- Several species of Microtus are important prey for owls and foxes.
- In a general descriptive context:
- The field was teeming with Microtus, their runways visible through the grass.
Advanced Usage
- The genus name is often used attributively to describe characteristics or studies related to these voles.
- She is an expert in Microtus ecology.
- The paper discussed Microtus behavior during the winter months.
Variants and Related Words
- Vole (n): The common name for rodents of the genus and related genera.
- Microtine (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of voles of the subfamily Arvicolinae, which includes the genus .
- The researcher observed typical microtine foraging patterns.
Synonyms
- Field mouse (n): A common but imprecise name for voles and similar small rodents. (Note: True mice belong to a different family, Muridae.)
- Meadow vole (n): A common name for specific species within the genus, such as .
Related Terms (Biology/Zoology)
- Genus (n): A rank in biological classification grouping together closely related species.
- Cricetidae (n): The rodent family that includes voles, hamsters, and lemmings.
- Rodent (n): The mammalian order (Rodentia) to which belongs.
Noun
-
voles of the northern hemisphere
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "microtus"
Từ có nhắc đến "microtus"
