genus Monodon
- noun
- /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈmɒnədɒn/
- Specialized
- The genus Monodon includes only one extant species, the narwhal.
Examples
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Researchers studied the evolutionary history of the genus Monodon using fossil records.
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The genus Monodon is known for the narwhal, which has a long, spiral tusk.
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The distinctive tusk of the narwhal makes genus Monodon unique among marine mammals.
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The genus Monodon includes the narwhal and beluga.
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Many researchers study the genus Monodon for its unique adaptations.
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Biologists classify the narwhal under the genus Monodon due to its unique characteristics.
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Studying the genus Monodon helps scientists understand marine mammal evolution and diversity.
Synonyms
A group of whales with teeth that includes the narwhal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic label formed by combining the biological rank 'genus' with the proper name 'Monodon'; if a learner knows both constituents they can directly infer it refers to the genus that includes species like the narwhal. Taxonomic naming follows a regular, cross-linguistic compositional pattern, so the meaning is immediately derivable from the parts.
Etymology
Genus Monodon comes from the Greek parts mono ('one') and odon ('tooth'). The name points to the narwhal's single long tusk, so it helps you remember that this genus is the group containing the narwhal.