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Glite Dictionary
subfamily Petauristidae

subfamily Petauristidae

9.9
A group of flying squirrels in Europe and Asia that glide between trees
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : subfamilia Petauristidae
  • Members of the subfamily Petauristidae are known for their remarkable gliding abilities in forest canopies.

Examples

  • Researchers discovered a new species within the subfamily Petauristidae in Southeast Asia.

  • The subfamily Petauristidae is distinguished from New World flying squirrels by anatomical differences.

  • The subfamily Petauristidae includes various species of flying squirrels.

  • Did you know about the subfamily Petauristidae?

  • The subfamily Petauristidae consists of several species that glide gracefully between trees.

  • Scientists study the subfamily Petauristidae to learn more about their unique adaptations for flight.

  • In the subfamily Petauristidae, the species are primarily nocturnal and have large eyes for low-light visibility.

Surface Forms

subfamily Petauristidae singular
subfamilies Petauristidae plural

Morphology

subfamily + Petauristidae

The phrase is transparently composed: 'subfamily' denotes a taxonomic rank below family, and 'Petauristidae' names the family of gliding mammals. A learner who knows both terms can readily infer this refers to a subordinate group within the Petauristidae (i.e., a group of flying squirrels), so the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Subfamily Petauristidae may come from Greek words meaning 'jump' or 'glide', which gives the picture of a small squirrel stretching a skin 'wing' to glide from tree to tree. That's why the name fits this group of Old World flying squirrels.