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Glite Dictionary
Neotoma californicus

Neotoma californicus

9.9
A small rodent that lives in California and nearby western areas and builds nests from sticks and leaves
  • noun
  • /niˈoʊtəˌmə ˌkælɪfɔrˈnɪkəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Neotoma californicus
  • The Neotoma californicus builds complex nests out of sticks and leaves.

Examples

  • The Neotoma californicus is often found in rocky areas.

  • Scientists observed the diet of Neotoma californicus in different habitats.

  • Conservation efforts are important for protecting Neotoma californicus populations in California.

  • Many scientists study the Neotoma californicus for its unique behaviors.

  • The Neotoma californicus builds complex nests out of sticks and leaves.

  • Conservation efforts are important for protecting Neotoma californicus populations in California.

  • Scientists observed the diet of Neotoma californicus in different habitats.

Surface Forms

Neotoma californicus singular
Neotoma californicuses plural

Morphology

Neotoma + californicus

This is a Linnaean binomial composed of a genus name + a Latin species epithet; if a learner knows 'Neotoma' (a rodent genus) and 'californicus' (literally ‘of/from California’), the meaning 'the Neotoma species from California' is directly derivable. The genus+epithet naming pattern is regular in scientific nomenclature and cross-linguistically consistent, so the sense is compositional and transparent to learners who know the parts.

Etymology

Neotoma californicus is a scientific name made from two parts: Neotoma is the group name for certain 'woodrats' and californicus means 'from California'. That's why the name tells us it is a woodrat that lives in California.