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Glite Dictionary
Cynomys

Cynomys

9.9
A burrowing animal called a prairie dog that lives in North America
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪnəˌmɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cynomys
  • Scientists observed how the Cynomys colonies communicated with each other using distinctive alarm calls.

Examples

  • The black-tailed Cynomys is the most widespread species of prairie dog in North America.

  • Habitat loss remains a significant threat to several Cynomys species across the plains.

  • The Cynomys species are fascinating creatures.

  • Did you know that Cynomys live in complex burrows?

  • The black-tailed Cynomys builds extensive burrows that benefit the surrounding ecosystem.

  • In North America, the Cynomys family exhibits unique social behaviors among prairie dogs.

  • Researchers study the Cynomys to understand their roles in the grassland habitat.

Synonyms

prairie dog
vsCynomys
  • US
8 4.7

A small animal that digs tunnels and lives in large groups on North American grasslands

is the scientific genus name for that group of North American burrowing rodents

Compounds

Cynomys gunnisoni
  • Specialized
9.9

A small prairie dog from the southwestern United States with a white-tipped tail

Cynomys ludovicianus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small prairie dog that lives in North American grasslands with a black-tipped tail

Surface Forms

Cynomys singular
Cynomys plural

Etymology

Cynomys comes from Greek parts cyno- and -mys, which mean 'dog' and 'mouse'. It was chosen because these burrowing animals look a bit like small dogs but are actually rodents like mice, so Cynomys is the scientific name for prairie dogs.