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Peripatus

Peripatus

9.9
A small soft-bodied animal like a worm with many short legs that lives in tropical forests of the Americas
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛrəˌpeɪtəs/
  • Specialized
: Peripatus
  • The velvet worm Peripatus is often used as an example of a living fossil in zoological studies.

Examples

  • The genus Peripatus consists of fascinating velvet worms that inhabit moist tropical environments.

  • Specimens of Peripatus demonstrate unique characteristics that fascinate evolutionary biologists.

  • Some researchers discovered a new species belonging to the genus Peripatus in the Amazon rainforest.

  • The Peripatus is a fascinating creature.

  • Did you know that the Peripatus can regenerate its limbs?

  • Researchers found a new species of the genus Peripatus while exploring the Amazon rainforest.

  • Scientists study Peripatus to understand its unique features and evolutionary adaptations.

Surface Forms

Peripatus singular
Peripatuses plural

Etymology

The word Peripatus comes from Greek parts peri- 'around' and a root meaning 'to walk', the same idea you see in peripatetic. A helpful way to remember it is that this velvet worm 'walks about' slowly over the ground, which is why the genus got that name.