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Glite Dictionary
Dugongidae

Dugongidae

9.9
A group of sea mammals that includes dugongs and the extinct Steller's sea cow
  • noun
  • /ˌduːɡɒnɪˈdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Dugongidae
  • The Dugongidae family includes the dugong and Steller's sea cow.

Examples

  • Scientists have classified the dugong in the family Dugongidae.

  • The order Sirenia comprises two families: Dugongidae and Trichechidae.

  • The extinction of Steller's sea cow marked the loss of a unique member of Dugongidae.

  • Did you know that Dugongidae are herbivorous marine mammals?

  • The dugong is a member of the family Dugongidae, known for its herbivorous diet.

  • Researchers study Dugongidae to understand the evolution of aquatic mammals.

  • Those who work at the marine park educate visitors about the importance of Dugongidae in marine ecosystems.

Surface Forms

Dugongidae singular
Dugongidaes plural

Morphology

Dugongidae = dugong (opaque) = dugong + idae

Formed from the animal name 'dugong' plus the specialized taxonomic suffix '-idae'; the suffix is technical and not predictable to average learners.

Etymology

Dugongidae starts with dugong, a name from Malay duyung meaning 'sea-woman' or 'mermaid', and ends with the family ending -idae used in animal names, so Dugongidae simply means the 'dugong family' — the group of sea mammals like dugongs and the Steller's sea cow.