Lemuridae

9.9

A family of primates native to Madagascar that includes the typical lemurs

noun
/ˌliːmʊˈrɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: Lemuridae

The Lemuridae are unique to the island of Madagascar, where they play crucial ecological roles.

Examples

Conservation efforts are vital to protect the Lemuridae family, which relies on the unique habitats of Madagascar.
Scientists have discovered several new species within the Lemuridae during recent expeditions.
Modern members of the Lemuridae family exhibit a range of social behaviors.
The Lemuridae family includes various species of lemurs.
Did you know that Lemuridae are only found in Madagascar?
The Lemuridae family is known for its diverse species, such as the ring-tailed lemur, found only in Madagascar.
Researchers study the Lemuridae to better understand primate evolution and biodiversity in Madagascar.

Synonyms

lemur

vsLemuridae

37 4.2

A small animal like a monkey with big eyes and a long furry tail from Madagascar

groups such species into a higher taxonomic family

family Lemuridae

vsLemuridae

Specialized

8.5

A group of primates found only in Madagascar that includes typical lemur species

is the same taxon name written without the word family

Compounds

family Lemuridae

Specialized

8.5

A group of primates found only in Madagascar that includes typical lemur species

Surface Forms

Lemuridae singular

Lemuridaes plural

Lemurids plural

Morphology

Lemuridae = lemur (semi-transparent) = lemur + idae

The relation to 'lemur' is clear, but the suffix '-idae' is a specialized Latin taxonomic marker meaning 'family' that is not familiar to most B1 learners.

Etymology

Lemuridae comes from lemur, a Latin word meaning 'ghost' or 'spirit', because early scientists thought these animals, active at night with big eyes and strange calls, seemed ghostlike. The ending -idae is a scientific ending meaning 'family', so Lemuridae simply means the 'lemur family' of primates from Madagascar.