Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic suborder of birds: In biological classification, 'Suborder Lari' refers to a specific grouping within the order Charadriiformes. This suborder traditionally includes seabirds and shorebirds such as gulls, terns, skimmers, and jaegers (also known as skuas). Members of this group are typically characterized by their webbed feet and are often associated with aquatic environments.

Usage Notes

• The term 'Suborder Lari' is used exclusively in scientific and taxonomic contexts, specifically in ornithology (the study of birds) and systematics (the science of classification). It is a formal Linnaean rank (suborder) within the biological hierarchy.
• It is typically written in italics () when referring to the taxonomic name, but the full term "suborder Lari" is often not italicized. The 'L' is always capitalized.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The suborder Lari is part of the diverse order Charadriiformes.
  • Ornithologists studied the evolutionary links within the suborder Lari.
• Descriptive Context:
  • Birds classified under suborder Lari, like gulls and terns, are commonly seen near coastlines.

Advanced Usage

• Phylogenetic Discussions: In modern cladistics (a method of classification based on common ancestry), the exact composition of Suborder Lari is sometimes debated. It may be discussed in relation to other suborders like Alcai (auks) and Charadrii (plovers, oystercatchers).
  • The monophyly of the suborder Lari is supported by recent molecular studies.

Variants and Related Words

• Larid (noun): A member of the family Laridae (gulls, terns, and skimmers), which falls within the suborder Lari.
  • The larid population has increased on the island.
• Larine (adjective): Of or pertaining to the suborder Lari or the family Laridae.
  • The larine birds exhibited similar feeding behaviors.

Synonyms

• Lari (when used informally in taxonomic shorthand).
• Gull/tern group (a common, non-scientific description of the birds within this suborder).

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Charadriiformes: The larger order that contains Suborder Lari.
• Alcae: Another suborder within Charadriiformes, containing auks, puffins, and murres.
• Charadrii: A suborder within Charadriiformes containing typical shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers.

Noun

1. gulls; terns; jaegers; skimmers