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Spalacidae

Spalacidae

9.9
Small mammals like rats that live underground and dig tunnels in Europe, Asia and Africa
  • noun
  • /spəˈlæsɪˌdi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Espalácidos
  • The family of burrowing rodents known as Spalacidae includes the blind mole-rat and zokor.

Examples

  • Many members of Spalacidae are known for their reduced eyesight due to subterranean living.

  • The family Spalacidae includes several species adapted to life underground.

  • Biologists study Spalacidae to understand the evolution of burrowing behavior.

  • The Spalacidae family includes various burrowing rodents.

  • Did you know that the Spalacidae are often found in Eurasia?

  • Researchers are investigating the Spalacidae family to learn more about their burrowing adaptations.

  • Among the Spalacidae, the bamboo rat is particularly noted for its unique digging habits.

Synonyms

family Spalacidae
vsSpalacidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small mammals like mole-rats that live underground

has identical meaning but uses the scientific name form

Compounds

family Spalacidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small mammals like mole-rats that live underground

Surface Forms

Spalacidae singular
Spalacidae plural

Etymology

Spalacidae comes from the Greek word spalax, meaning 'mole', plus the ending -idae, a label for an animal 'family'. So Spalacidae is like the 'mole family', which fits because these rodents live underground and often have small eyes.