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Odobenidae

Odobenidae

9.9
A family of large sea mammals that includes the walrus and extinct relatives
  • noun
  • /ˌoʊdəˈbɛnɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Odobenidae
  • Only one living species of Odobenidae exists today—the walrus.

Examples

  • The Odobenidae family consists of the modern walrus and several extinct genera.

  • The Odobenidae family includes the walrus and its relatives.

  • Fossils from the Odobenidae have helped scientists trace the evolutionary history of pinnipeds.

  • Did you know that Odobenidae are known for their large tusks?

  • Fossils from the Odobenidae family have helped scientists trace the evolutionary history of modern marine mammals.

  • Only one living species of Odobenidae exists today, which is the walrus.

  • The Odobenidae family includes the walrus and several extinct relatives from prehistoric times.

Surface Forms

Odobenidae singular
Odobenidaes plural
Odobenidae plural

Etymology

Odobenidae comes from the scientific name Odobenus, made of Greek parts odous 'tooth' and baino 'to walk'. This picture helps: walruses use their long 'teeth' (tusks) to help 'walk' or pull themselves onto ice, so the family name points to the walrus and its tusks.