subfamily Lutrinae
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Definition
Noun: 1. A taxonomic subfamily within the family Mustelidae: In biological classification, this term refers to a specific group of carnivorous mammals that includes all otter species. It is a scientific name used in zoology and taxonomy.
Usage Notes
- "Subfamily Lutrinae" is a formal, scientific term. In everyday English, the common name "otters" is used.
- It is always written in italics in scientific contexts because it is a Latinized name: .
- The term specifies a rank (subfamily) within a larger family classification (Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, badgers, and minks).
Examples of Usage
- Scientific Context:
- The aquatic adaptations of subfamily Lutrinae are remarkable, including webbed feet and dense fur.
- All modern otter species are classified under subfamily Lutrinae.
- The study focused on the evolutionary history of subfamily Lutrinae within Mustelidae.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to denote a precise level in the biological classification system: Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Subfamily > Genus > Species.
- Reference Context: As noted, some classification systems may not use the subfamily rank, grouping otters directly within Mustelidae without the subdivision.
Variants and Related Words
- Lutrinae (n): The core part of the term, often used interchangeably in scientific literature.
- Otter (n): The common name for any member of the subfamily Lutrinae.
- Mustelidae (n): The biological family to which the subfamily Lutrinae belongs.
Synonyms
- Otters (common name)
- The otter subfamily (descriptive phrase)
Related Phrases
- Member of Lutrinae: A formal way to state that an animal is an otter.
- The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a well-known member of Lutrinae.
Noun
- subdivision not used in some classifications: otters