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Glite Dictionary
Dicrostonyx hudsonius

Dicrostonyx hudsonius

9.9
A small lemming that lives on the tundra in northern Canada
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Dicrostonyx hudsonius
  • Dicrostonyx hudsonius is found in the tundra, where it builds dens in the snow.

Examples

  • Scientists studied the population cycles of Dicrostonyx hudsonius over several years.

  • The thick winter fur of Dicrostonyx hudsonius helps it survive in cold climates.

  • Dicrostonyx hudsonius inhabits the tundra regions of northern Canada.

  • The Dicrostonyx hudsonius is a fascinating species of lemming.

  • Have you ever seen a Dicrostonyx hudsonius in the wild?

  • During the winter, Dicrostonyx hudsonius relies on its thick fur to stay warm.

  • Researchers observed that Dicrostonyx hudsonius populations can fluctuate dramatically with the seasons.

Synonyms

Hudson Bay collared lemming
vsDicrostonyx hudsonius
  • Canadian
9.6

A small mouse-like Arctic animal with a ring of lighter fur around the neck

identifies it mainly by common name rather than by appearance

Surface Forms

Dicrostonyx hudsonius singular
Dicrostonyx hudsoniuses plural

Morphology

Dicrostonyx + hudsonius

This is a Latin binomial: the first element 'Dicrostonyx' names the genus (given as a group of Arctic lemmings), so a learner who knows that can infer the phrase refers to a species of that lemming. However, the second element 'hudsonius' is not a regular English word and does not transparently convey the specific geographic or species identity to a B1 learner, so the full meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Dicrostonyx hudsonius mixes a word that suggests 'two-pointed' or special front teeth (Dicrostonyx) with the place name hudsonius from 'Hudson Bay'. So imagine a small lemming with noticeable front teeth living near Hudson Bay, and that image helps you remember this species.