river otter
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * A sociable, semi-aquatic mammal (Lontra canadensis) with a long, streamlined body, webbed feet, and dense fur, commonly found in freshwater habitats like streams, rivers, and lakes across North America.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- We were lucky to spot a river otter sliding down the muddy bank into the water.
- The health of the river otter population is a good indicator of clean water and a balanced ecosystem.
- River otters are known for their playful behavior, often seen wrestling with each other or sliding on snow or mud.
Advanced Usage
- The term is used specifically to distinguish this North American species from other otter species, such as the sea otter or the Eurasian otter.
- In conservation biology, the presence of river otters is frequently cited as a sign of a thriving, unpolluted aquatic environment.
Variants and Related Words
- Otter (n): The general term for members of the subfamily Lutrinae, which includes the river otter, sea otter, and others.
- North American river otter (n): The full common name for .
Synonyms
- North American otter
- Common otter (though this can also refer to the Eurasian species)
Related Phrases and Collocations
- Otter family: A group of otters, which can also be called a "romp" or a "bevy."
- Otter habitat: The streams, rivers, lakes, and marshes where otters live.
- Otter conservation: Efforts to protect otter populations and their environments.
Noun
- sociable aquatic animal widely distributed along streams and lake borders in North America