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Erethizontidae

Erethizontidae

9.9
A family of tree-dwelling rodents like the North American porcupine
  • noun
  • /ˌɛrəˈθaɪzənˌtiːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Erethizontidae
  • The North American porcupine belongs to the Erethizontidae family.

Examples

  • Members of the Erethizontidae family are known for their tree-dwelling habits.

  • The Erethizontidae family includes several species of porcupines.

  • Researchers studied the adaptation of Erethizontidae species to arboreal environments.

  • Did you know that Erethizontidae are mostly found in trees?

  • The North American porcupine is a prominent member of the Erethizontidae family, known for living in trees.

  • Members of the Erethizontidae family are known for their tree-dwelling habits.

  • Did you know that Erethizontidae are mostly found in trees?

Synonyms

New World porcupine
vsErethizontidae
  • Specialized
6.3

A porcupine from the Americas that lives in trees and has a tail that can hold branches

refers to the whole family of those tree-dwelling rodents

Surface Forms

Etymology

Erethizontidae comes from the animal name Erethizon, which is from the old Greek verb erethizein meaning 'to irritate' or 'to prick'. The ending -idae is a scientific word ending meaning 'family', so Erethizontidae is the 'family of Erethizon', a fitting name for porcupines because their quills can 'prick' and 'irritate' other animals.