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Glite Dictionary
genus Odobenus

genus Odobenus

9.9
A group of animals that includes walruses
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs oʊˈdoʊbɪnəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Odobenus
  • The genus Odobenus is represented today by a single living species, the walrus.

Examples

  • Unlike some other marine mammals, the genus Odobenus has prominent tusks used for both defense and locomotion.

  • Paleontologists have studied fossils belonging to the genus Odobenus to understand the evolution of walruses.

  • The genus Odobenus includes the walrus species.

  • Did you know that genus Odobenus is known for its tusks?

  • Paleontologists have studied fossils belonging to the genus Odobenus to understand the evolution of walruses.

  • The genus Odobenus is represented today by a single living species, the walrus.

  • Unlike some other marine mammals, the genus Odobenus has prominent tusks used for both defense and locomotion.

Synonyms

Odobenus
vsgenus Odobenus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sea mammals that includes the walrus

is presented as the family's type genus without mentioning living status

Surface Forms

genus Odobenus singular
genera Odobenus plural

Morphology

genus + Odobenus

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' denotes a biological rank and 'Odobenus' names the specific taxon, so together they straightforwardly mean the genus called Odobenus (walruses). Taxonomic naming follows a regular, cross-linguistic convention, making this phrase immediately interpretable by learners who know both constituents.

Etymology

Genus Odobenus comes from old Greek words odous ('tooth') and baino ('to walk'). Walruses use their long tusks to pull themselves onto ice, almost like 'walking on their teeth', so the name was given to the walrus group.