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Glite Dictionary
Heteromyidae

Heteromyidae

9.9
A group of small American burrowing rodents, like pocket mice, with fur-lined cheek pouches
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛtəroʊˈmaɪdiːə/
  • Specialized
: Heteromyidae
  • The family Heteromyidae includes both pocket mice and kangaroo rats found in arid environments.

Examples

  • Many species in Heteromyidae have specialized fur-lined cheek pouches for carrying food.

  • Scientists study Heteromyidae to understand how rodents adapt to deserts.

  • The Heteromyidae family includes various species of pocket mice.

  • Have you ever seen a Heteromyidae in the wild?

  • Many species in Heteromyidae have specialized fur-lined cheek pouches for carrying food.

  • The family Heteromyidae includes both pocket mice and kangaroo rats found in arid environments.

  • Scientists study Heteromyidae to understand how rodents adapt to deserts.

Surface Forms

Heteromyidae singular
Heteromyidaes plural

Morphology

Heteromyidae = Heteromys (opaque) = Heteromys + idae

Formed by adding the specialized taxonomic family suffix '-idae' to the genus name 'Heteromys', a formation that is meaningful only in scientific taxonomy and not transparent to general learners.

Etymology

Heteromyidae comes from Greek parts hetero- 'different' and mys 'mouse', with the family ending -idae 'group'. So Heteromyidae means a 'group of different mice', which helps remember this family because it includes unusual rodents like pocket mice and kangaroo rats with cheek pouches and strong hind legs for jumping.