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Glite Dictionary
Giraffidae

Giraffidae

9.6
A group of large African mammals that eat plants, including giraffes and extinct relatives
  • noun
  • /dʒɪˈræfɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Giraffidae
  • The Giraffidae family is known for its long-necked members, especially the modern giraffe.

Examples

  • The Giraffidae family includes both living and extinct species.

  • Scientists study the evolution of Giraffidae to understand their adaptation to African environments.

  • Fossil records show that Giraffidae once included several extinct species.

  • Did you know that Giraffidae are known for their long necks?

  • Fossil records show that Giraffidae once included several extinct species.

  • Scientists study the evolution of Giraffidae to understand their adaptation to African environments.

  • The Giraffidae family is known for its long-necked members, especially the modern giraffe.

Synonyms

family Giraffidae
vsGiraffidae
  • Specialized
7.4

A group of large African animals that includes giraffes and okapis

highlights extinct relatives and ruminant status rather than living okapis

Compounds

family Giraffidae
  • Specialized
7.4

A group of large African animals that includes giraffes and okapis

Surface Forms

Giraffidae singular
Giraffidaes plural

Morphology

Giraffidae = giraffe (semi-transparent) = giraffe + idae

The form clearly derives from 'giraffe' plus the taxonomic suffix '-idae', but '-idae' is a specialized scientific marker that many learners will not know.

Etymology

Giraffidae comes from the animal name giraffe, which comes from an Arabic word thought to mean 'fast walker', plus the family ending -idae. So Giraffidae simply means the 'family' of giraffes and their close relatives, the long-necked African mammals.