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Glite Dictionary
genus Saiga

genus Saiga

9.9
A group of antelopes that contains only the saiga antelope found in Eurasia
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈsaɪɡə/
  • Specialized
: género Saiga
  • The genus Saiga contains only one living species, the saiga antelope.

Examples

  • Members of the genus Saiga are well adapted to harsh steppe environments.

  • Conservationists are concerned about the survival of animals in the genus Saiga.

  • The genus Saiga includes unique antelopes found in Eurasia.

  • Scientists study the genus Saiga for its distinct adaptations.

  • Conservationists are concerned about the survival of animals in the genus Saiga.

  • Members of the genus Saiga are well adapted to harsh steppe environments.

  • The genus Saiga contains only one living species, the saiga antelope.

Surface Forms

genus Saiga singular
genera Saiga plural

Morphology

genus + saiga

The phrase is directly compositional: 'genus' (a taxonomic rank grouping species) combined with 'Saiga' (the name of the antelope) yields the taxonomic group associated with that animal. Although slightly technical, the relation follows standard noun + name composition found across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Saiga comes from the Russian word Saiga, taken from local languages of the wide grasslands where people used it for the odd antelope with a large, flexible nose. So today genus Saiga is the 'scientific group' name that refers to that same unique animal.