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Glite Dictionary
Rhincodontidae

Rhincodontidae

9.9
A family of sharks with small teeth that today includes only the whale shark
  • noun
  • /rɪŋˌkɒndəˈtiːdə/
  • Specialized
: Rhincodontidae
  • The Rhincodontidae family is represented today only by the whale shark.

Examples

  • The Rhincodontidae are known for their distinctive small teeth and massive size.

  • The Rhincodontidae family includes the largest fish in the ocean.

  • Researchers study Rhincodontidae fossils to learn about prehistoric sharks.

  • Did you know that the Rhincodontidae is known for its small teeth?

  • The Rhincodontidae family, which includes the whale shark, can grow up to 40 feet long.

  • Marine biologists often study the Rhincodontidae to understand its feeding habits and habitat.

  • The largest living species of fish, the whale shark, belongs to the Rhincodontidae family.

Synonyms

family Rhincodontidae
vsRhincodontidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sharks with small teeth that has only one living member, the whale shark

is the concise scientific name form without the descriptive phrase

Compounds

family Rhincodontidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sharks with small teeth that has only one living member, the whale shark

Surface Forms

Rhincodontidae singular
Rhincodontidaes plural

Morphology

Rhincodontidae = Rhincodon (opaque) = Rhincodont + idae

Formation by the standard taxonomic suffix '-idae' is regular in biological nomenclature, but the elements are specialized Latinized forms unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Rhincodontidae comes from Greek parts: rhinc- (as in rhinoceros) meaning 'snout', odont- meaning 'tooth', and -idae meaning 'family'. So the name is like a 'snout-tooth family', which fits this shark family known for small teeth and for being represented today by the very big whale shark.