Definition

Noun: 1. A species of shrew mole: Uropsilus soricipes is the scientific name for a specific type of small, insectivorous mammal belonging to the family Talpidae. It is characterized by its resemblance to a shrew, with a long, pointed snout and a slender body, but it is a true mole. This species is native to forested mountainous regions in eastern Asia.

Usage Notes

• This term is a scientific name (binomial nomenclature) and is always written in .
• The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.
• It is used in formal, academic, or zoological contexts. In general conversation, one would simply refer to it as a type of "shrew mole."

Examples of Usage

• Scientific Context:
  • The study compared the burrowing techniques of Uropsilus soricipes with those of European moles.
  • A new population of Uropsilus soricipes was documented in the Qinling Mountains.
• General Descriptive Context:
  • Among the talpids, Uropsilus soricipes is noted for its more shrew-like appearance.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Discussion: The term is used when discussing classification, evolution, or morphology within the Talpidae family.
  • The phylogenetic analysis placed Uropsilus soricipes in a clade with other Asian shrew moles.

Variants and Related Words

• Shrew mole (n): The common name for mammals of the genus and related genera, describing their combined physical traits of shrews and moles.
• Talpid (n/adj): A member of the family Talpidae (true moles, shrew moles, and desmans); or relating to that family.
• Insectivore (n): An animal that primarily eats insects, a category which includes .

Synonyms

• Shrew mole (common name)
• Asian shrew mole (descriptive common name)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Mole (n): A small mammal adapted for a fossorial (burrowing) lifestyle, with broad forefeet for digging. is a type of mole.
• Shrew (n): A small mammal with a pointed snout, known for its high metabolism. is not a shrew but has a similar morphology.
• Eulipotyphla (n): The mammalian order that includes moles, shrews, hedgehogs, and solenodons.

Noun

1. shrew mole of eastern Asia