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Glite Dictionary
genus Phocoena

genus Phocoena

9.6
A group of small toothed whales like the harbor porpoise in northern coastal waters
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs fəˈkoʊnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Phocoena
  • The genus Phocoena includes species such as the harbor porpoise and the vaquita.

Examples

  • Researchers are studying the genetic diversity within the genus Phocoena to improve conservation efforts.

  • All members of the genus Phocoena share certain skull and tooth characteristics distinguishing them from other porpoises.

  • The genus Phocoena includes several species of porpoises.

  • Did you know that the genus Phocoena is found in coastal waters?

  • The genus Phocoena consists of small whales known for their distinctively rounded snouts.

  • Scientists have classified the harbor porpoise under the genus Phocoena due to its unique anatomical features.

  • Sighting a member of the genus Phocoena can signal a healthy marine ecosystem in coastal waters.

Synonyms

Phocoena
vsgenus Phocoena
  • Specialized
9.9

A small sea mammal like a dolphin with a short rounded nose that lives in northern oceans

is the genus of small toothed whales found in coastal Northern Hemisphere waters

Surface Forms

genus Phocoena singular
genera Phocoena plural

Morphology

genus + Phocoena

The phrase literally combines the biological rank 'genus' with the taxon name 'Phocoena'; if a learner knows 'genus' and the proper name 'Phocoena' (the porpoise group), the meaning is directly derivable. This is a straightforward, compositional scientific noun phrase following common cross-linguistic naming patterns, so it is immediately understandable to learners who know the constituents.

Etymology

Genus Phocoena may come from an old Greek word meaning 'seal', because early scientists thought porpoises looked like small seals, so the name came to mean the group of animals we now call 'porpoises'.