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Dipodomys ordi

Dipodomys ordi

9.9
A small animal like a kangaroo rat that lives in dry plains and mountains of central and western United States
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Dipodomys ordi
  • The Dipodomys ordi thrives in arid plains and mountain regions of the American West.

Examples

  • Researchers studied Dipodomys ordi to understand its unique adaptations to dry environments.

  • Compared to other kangaroo rats, Dipodomys ordi occupies one of the broadest geographic ranges.

  • The Dipodomys ordi is known for its ability to survive in arid environments.

  • Have you ever seen a Dipodomys ordi in the wild?

  • The Dipodomys ordi, commonly known as the kangaroo rat, is often seen hopping across the sandy plains.

  • In the deserts of the western United States, the Dipodomys ordi is a vital part of the ecosystem.

  • Scientist observed that the Dipodomys ordi has adapted its diet to survive the harsh conditions of its habitat.

Synonyms

kangaroo rat
vsDipodomys ordi
  • US
1 6.3

A small desert animal like a mouse that hops on long hind legs and has a long tail

refers specifically to one species living across central and western plains and mountains
Ord kangaroo rat
vsDipodomys ordi
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mouse-like animal with large back legs that hops and lives in burrows in the western United States

is the identical species name presented without parenthetical detail

Surface Forms

Morphology

Dipodomys + ordi

This is a binomial scientific name following the transparent pattern Genus + specific epithet: knowing 'Dipodomys' as a genus of kangaroo rats allows a learner to infer the phrase denotes a species within that genus. The second element 'ordi' is an arbitrary species label without independent lexical meaning, but that does not prevent the compositional inference that this is a specific Dipodomys species.

Etymology

Dipodomys ordi starts with Dipodomys, a word that literally means 'two-footed mouse', and the second part ordi is likely a name given to honor a person who studied the animal. That image of a small 'two-footed mouse' is a clear memory hook because this kangaroo rat hops on its two strong back legs like a tiny kangaroo.