Sciurus niger
- noun
- /ˈsaɪ.jʊr.əs ˈnaɪ.ɡər/
- Specialized
:
Sciurus niger
- The Sciurus niger is the largest species of tree squirrel found in North America.
Examples
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Unlike gray squirrels, Sciurus niger often prefers open woodlands and edge habitats.
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In the autumn, Sciurus niger can be seen gathering acorns under the oak trees.
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Researchers observed the feeding habits of Sciurus niger in mixed hardwood forests.
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The Sciurus niger is often seen in parks.
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Have you ever spotted a Sciurus niger in your backyard?
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Many wildlife enthusiasts enjoy watching Sciurus niger as it climbs and leaps through the branches.
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During the winter months, Sciurus niger relies on its cached food to survive in colder climates.
Synonyms
1
5.7
A large tree squirrel with a bushy tail and reddish fur
A large tree squirrel with a bushy tail and reddish gray fur that lives in the eastern United States
A large tree squirrel from eastern North America with a bushy tail
Surface Forms
Morphology
Sciurus + niger
The first constituent 'Sciurus' explicitly names a squirrel genus, so a learner who knows that will recognize the phrase as referring to a type of squirrel; however the second element 'niger' is a Latin species epithet (not a common English word and not defined here), and understanding the precise sense or common name requires knowledge of taxonomic naming or Latin. Because the meaning as 'a species of squirrel' is partly recoverable but not fully predictable to an average B1 learner, this is best judged semi-transparent.
Etymology
Sciurus niger comes from old name parts: Sciurus was a word for 'squirrel' and niger is Latin for 'black', so the name simply points to a dark-coloured tree squirrel and helps you remember it is a particular large squirrel species.