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Perognathus hispidus

Perognathus hispidus

9.9
A large mouse with stiff hair that lives in short grass prairies in the United States
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Perognathus hispidus
  • The Perognathus hispidus is well adapted to the dry environment of the shortgrass prairie.

Examples

  • Unlike other rodents, Perognathus hispidus stores seeds in its cheek pouches for later use.

  • Researchers captured several specimens of Perognathus hispidus for their ecological study.

  • The Perognathus hispidus is known for its unique adaptations.

  • Have you seen a Perognathus hispidus in the wild?

  • Researchers captured several specimens of Perognathus hispidus for their ecological study.

  • The Perognathus hispidus is well adapted to the dry environment of the shortgrass prairie.

  • Unlike other rodents, Perognathus hispidus stores seeds in its cheek pouches for later use.

Synonyms

hispid pocket mouse
vsPerognathus hispidus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mouse with stiff fur and cheek pouches that lives in dry grasslands

is the formal scientific name used in biological classification

Surface Forms

Morphology

Perognathus + hispidus

This is a taxonomic binomial formed compositionally from a genus name plus an epithet: if a learner knows 'Perognathus' (a rodent) and understands 'hispidus' (hispid = stiff- or bristly-haired), the phrase literally describes a stiff-haired Perognathus (hispid pocket mouse). The meaning is descriptive rather than idiomatic and follows a regular adjective+noun pattern, so it is immediately derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Perognathus hispidus may come from two parts: Perognathus (a name for a small 'pocket' or cheek-pouch mouse) and hispidus (a word for 'bristly' or stiff hair). The name gives a simple picture of a little 'pocket mouse' with stiff fur that stores seeds in its cheek pouches, which is why it fits this species.