family Brevicipitidae
- noun
- Specialized
- The family Brevicipitidae encompasses both burrowing and arboreal frog species found in tropical regions.
Examples
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Some members of the family Brevicipitidae are notable for their distinctive, narrow mouths and unique vocalizations.
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Scientists recently discovered a new species within the family Brevicipitidae in Madagascar.
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The family Brevicipitidae includes many unique species.
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Did you know that the family Brevicipitidae has both burrowing and arboreal species?
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Researchers have identified several new species within the family Brevicipitidae across different continents.
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Many frogs in the family Brevicipitidae have adapted to both terrestrial and arboreal environments.
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The family Brevicipitidae includes fascinating species that exhibit remarkable burrowing behavior.
Synonyms
A family of frogs with narrow mouths that live in sub-Saharan Africa and often dig holes or live in trees
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the proper name 'Brevicipitidae' yields the referential meaning 'the taxonomic family called Brevicipitidae'. The composition is literal and predictable (cross-linguistically common in scientific naming), so a learner who knows both constituents can derive the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Family Brevicipitidae comes from the Latin words brevis and caput, which mean 'short' and 'head'. These frogs have short, round faces, so the name simply describes this group of narrow-mouthed toads.