genus Cyon
- noun
- Specialized
- The genus Cyon comprises several species of wild canids found throughout Asia.
Examples
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Conservationists are working to protect habitats crucial for survival of animals in the genus Cyon.
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Scientists have studied the behavior of the genus Cyon to understand the evolution of pack hunting.
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The genus Cyon includes several species of wild canids.
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Did you know that genus Cyon is also known as the dhole?
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The genus Cyon includes the dhole, a unique wild dog found in Asia.
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Research on the genus Cyon has revealed important information about its habitat and social structure.
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Many animals in the genus Cyon are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Synonyms
A group of wild dogs from Asia that includes the dhole
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward taxonomic construction: 'genus' (a biological rank) plus the taxon name 'Cyon' yields the meaning 'the genus named Cyon, comprising related species.' The pattern of naming genera is compositional and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Genus Cyon may come from the Greek word kyon, which means 'dog', and from genus, meaning a group of animals. So genus Cyon is a name for a group of dog-like wild animals, such as the Asiatic wild dog, the dhole.