tenrec

Thân thiện

A tenrec searches for insects among the fallen leaves.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small, often spiny, insectivorous mammal native to Madagascar: A tenrec is a mammal that primarily eats insects. Many species have spines or bristly fur for protection, and while some resemble hedgehogs, they are not closely related.

Usage Examples

• The tenrec is a fascinating example of an animal that evolved in isolation on the island of Madagascar.
• We saw a streaked tenrec foraging in the leaf litter during the night walk.
• Unlike a hedgehog, this particular species of tenrec has a much longer snout.

Advanced Usage

• "Tenrec family (Tenrecidae)": Refers to the broader biological family that includes over 30 species of tenrecs, such as the common tenrec, shrew tenrec, and otter shrew.
  • The lowland streaked tenrec is one of the most visually striking members of the tenrec family.

Variants and Related Words

• Tenrecidae (n): The scientific family name for tenrecs.
• Insectivore (n): An animal that feeds primarily on insects, which is the primary diet of a tenrec.

Synonyms

• Hedgehog tenrec: A common name for some spiny species.
• Malagasy insectivore: A descriptive term highlighting its geographic origin and diet.

Notes on Meaning

• While some tenrecs resemble hedgehogs, they are an example of convergent evolution (unrelated species developing similar traits) and are not true hedgehogs. True hedgehogs belong to a different family (Erinaceidae).
• The term specifically refers to mammals endemic to Madagascar and nearby islands like the Comoros.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small often spiny insectivorous mammal of Madagascar; resembles a hedgehog

Từ đồng nghĩa

• tendrac