Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic suborder of rodents: 'Suborder Myomorpha' is the scientific classification for a large group of rodents characterized by their unique jaw and tooth morphology. This group includes true rats, mice, hamsters, voles, lemmings, and gerbils. Members are typically distinguished by their myomorphous zygomasseteric system, where a specific part of the jaw muscle extends through a hole in the skull.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory mouse, Mus musculus, belongs to the suborder Myomorpha.
  • Rodents in the suborder Myomorpha are found on every continent except Antarctica.
  • The fossil record helps scientists understand the evolution of the suborder Myomorpha.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used in formal biological classification, positioned between 'order' (Rodentia) and 'family' (e.g., Muridae).
  • The order Rodentia is divided into several suborders, including Hystricomorpha, Sciuromorpha, and Myomorpha.

Variants and Related Words

• Myomorph (noun/adjective): A member of the suborder Myomorpha; pertaining to this suborder.
  • The myomorph rodents diversified rapidly during the Miocene epoch.
• Myomorpha: Often used without "suborder" in technical contexts where the taxonomic rank is implied.
  • The diversity of Myomorpha is greater than that of any other rodent suborder.

Synonyms

• Muroid rodents (in a broad, informal sense): This term is sometimes used to refer to the core families within Myomorpha, particularly the superfamily Muroidea (which includes mice, rats, hamsters, and gerbils). However, it is not a perfect synonym as the taxonomic scope differs slightly.

Noun

1. true rats and mice and related rodents