Definition

Noun: * A small, fossorial mammal native to eastern North America, characterized by velvety fur, reduced eyes, powerful forelimbs adapted for digging, and a hairless, pointed snout. It is commonly known as Brewer's mole or the hairy-tailed mole.

Usage

• The term "parascalops breweri" is the scientific binomial name used in zoological and biological contexts to precisely identify this specific species of mole.
• It is primarily used in formal writing, academic research, field guides, and taxonomic classification.
• In everyday conversation, the common names "Brewer's mole" or "hairy-tailed mole" are more frequently used.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study compared the tunneling efficiency of Parascalops breweri with that of the star-nosed mole.
  • "Parascalops breweri* is distinguished from other mole species by its uniquely hairy tail."
• Descriptive Context:
  • We identified the specimen as Parascalops breweri based on its cranial morphology and geographic location.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name "" differentiates it from other mole genera (e.g., , ). The species epithet "" honors the naturalist Thomas Mayo Brewer.

Variants and Related Words

• Brewer's mole: The most common vernacular name.
• Hairy-tailed mole: A descriptive common name referencing a key physical characteristic.
• Talpidae: The biological family to which belongs, encompassing all true moles and desmans.

Synonyms

• Brewer's mole
• Hairy-tailed mole

Different Meanings

• This term has only one specific meaning: it refers exclusively to this particular species of mole. It is not used figuratively or in other contexts.

Noun

1. mole of eastern North America