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Glite Dictionary
genus Marmota

genus Marmota

9.1
A group of large ground squirrels found in North America, Europe, and Asia
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːnəs ˈmɑːrmətə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Marmota
  • Biologists have studied the hibernation patterns of animals within the genus Marmota.

Examples

  • Alpine marmots, part of the genus Marmota, are well-known for their loud warning whistles.

  • The genus Marmota includes several species of marmots.

  • The genus Marmota includes several species adapted to cold mountainous regions.

  • Did you know that the genus Marmota is primarily found in mountainous regions?

  • The genus Marmota includes several species of large ground squirrels that hibernate during the winter.

  • Scientists are studying the genus Marmota to better understand their behavior and habitat needs.

  • Due to their size and sociable nature, members of the genus Marmota are often found in mountainous regions.

Synonyms

Marmota
vsgenus Marmota
  • Specialized
8.9

A group of large ground squirrels that live in burrows in mountains and fields of North America and Eurasia

has identical meaning but lists Europe and Asia separately rather than Eurasia

Surface Forms

genus Marmota singular
genera Marmota plural

Morphology

genus + Marmota

The meaning 'a genus of marmots' is directly derivable from combining 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) with the taxon name 'Marmota'. Although technical and containing a Latin proper name, the construction follows standard taxonomic naming conventions (common cross-linguistically), so a learner who knows both constituents will understand the MWE.

Etymology

Genus Marmota may come from an old word like 'marmota' that sounded like 'murmur', because these animals make loud whistles and calls to warn each other. That's why the name now refers to the group of large, noisy ground squirrels we call marmots.