Arvicola amphibius
- noun
- Specialized
- The Arvicola amphibius is often found near rivers.
Examples
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The Arvicola amphibius population has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.
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Predators such as the mink threaten the survival of Arvicola amphibius in the wild.
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Naturalists observed Arvicola amphibius constructing burrows along the riverbank.
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Have you ever seen an Arvicola amphibius in the wild?
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Naturalists observed Arvicola amphibius constructing burrows along the riverbank.
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Predators such as the mink threaten the survival of Arvicola amphibius in the wild.
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The Arvicola amphibius population has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.
Synonyms
A small animal like a rat that lives near rivers and ponds
Surface Forms
Morphology
Arvicola + amphibius
This is a Latin binomial name: 'Arvicola' denotes a genus of small semi‑aquatic rodents and 'amphibius' echoes the root of English 'amphibious', so a learner who knows both constituents could infer it refers to a semi‑aquatic vole (a water vole). However, 'amphibius' is not a standard English word and scientific names follow taxonomic/Latin conventions, so the relation is technical and not fully predictable for an average B1 learner without exposure.
Etymology
Arvicola amphibius comes from Latin words: arvicola meaning 'field-dweller' and amphibius meaning 'living on land and water'. The name shows a vole that lives by rivers and often goes into the water, which is why we call it the 'water vole'.