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Glite Dictionary
genus Spermophilus

genus Spermophilus

9.9
A group of small burrowing animals like ground squirrels found across the Northern Hemisphere
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈspɜrməˌfɪləs/
  • Specialized
: género Spermophilus
  • The genus Spermophilus includes several species of ground squirrels common across Eurasia and North America.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the hibernation patterns among members of the genus Spermophilus.

  • Many farmers consider some species in the genus Spermophilus to be agricultural pests.

  • The genus Spermophilus includes various species of ground squirrels.

  • Did you know that the genus Spermophilus is found in North America?

  • Many farmers consider some species in the genus Spermophilus to be agricultural pests.

  • Researchers studied the hibernation patterns among members of the genus Spermophilus.

  • The genus Spermophilus includes several species of ground squirrels common across Eurasia and North America.

Synonyms

Spermophilus
vsgenus Spermophilus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A type of ground squirrel found in Europe, Asia, and North America

is used for the same genus but stresses wider Northern Hemisphere distribution
Citellus
vsgenus Spermophilus
  • Archaic
9.9

A former scientific name for ground squirrels found in Eurasia and North America

is the modern classification grouping those species into the current genus

Surface Forms

genus Spermophilus singular
genera Spermophilus plural

Morphology

genus + Spermophilus

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'genus' names a biological rank and 'Spermophilus' is the taxon name, so together they mean the genus called Spermophilus (a group of related squirrel species). This follows standard taxonomic naming conventions found across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

The name genus Spermophilus may come from Greek parts sperm- meaning 'seed' and -philus meaning 'lover'. Because these ground squirrels often gather and eat seeds, the name gives a clear picture of a 'seed-lover' and helps you remember this group of small animals that live in holes.