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Glite Dictionary
Macropus agilis

Macropus agilis

9.9
A small wallaby from northern Australia and New Guinea that moves quickly
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Macropus agilis
  • The Macropus agilis is known for its incredible jumping ability.

Examples

  • The Macropus agilis can often be spotted feeding in grassy woodlands at dawn and dusk.

  • Researchers observed a group of Macropus agilis migrating across the floodplains.

  • Many zoos now feature the Macropus agilis in their Australian animal exhibits.

  • Look at that Macropus agilis!

  • Many zoos now feature the Macropus agilis in their Australian animal exhibits.

  • Researchers observed a group of Macropus agilis migrating across the floodplains.

  • The Macropus agilis can often be spotted feeding in grassy woodlands at dawn and dusk.

Surface Forms

Macropus agilis singular
Macropus agilis plural

Morphology

Macropus + agilis

This is a Linnaean binomial (genus + species epithet) so the meaning is partly compositional: if a learner recognises Macropus as a marsupial genus and understands agilis as ‘agile’ (Latin-derived), they can infer it denotes an agile species of Macropus. However, the Latinized form and taxonomic convention are somewhat technical and may not be immediately transparent to typical B1 learners, so the relation is only partially obvious.

Etymology

The name Macropus agilis comes from older words: Macropus means 'large foot' and agilis means 'agile' or 'quick'. The image of a small wallaby with big back feet that hops fast helps you remember this animal that lives in northern Australia and New Guinea.