Kinosternidae

9.9

A family of small to medium freshwater turtles like mud or musk turtles found in the Americas

noun
/ˌkaɪnoʊˈstɜrnɪdi/

Specialized

: Kinosternidae

The Kinosternidae are a family of turtles commonly found in slow-moving streams and ponds.

Examples

Several species within the Kinosternidae are known for their ability to emit a musky odor as a defense mechanism.
Biologists studied the habits of Kinosternidae to better understand their adaptation to aquatic environments.
The Kinosternidae family includes several species of turtles.
Many Kinosternidae are found in freshwater habitats.
The Kinosternidae family includes small turtles that thrive in freshwater rivers and wetlands.
Biologists are researching how Kinosternidae adapt to different environments in the Americas.
You can often find Kinosternidae basking on logs near slow-moving streams.

Surface Forms

Kinosternidae singular

Kinosternidaes plural

Kinosternids plural

Morphology

Kinosternidae = Kinosternon (opaque) = Kinosternon + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a technical taxonomic marker forming family names from genus names; this is specialized scientific morphology not transparent to average learners.

Etymology

Kinosternidae comes from Greek parts kine- ('to move') and sternon ('chest'), and it points to the turtles' movable lower shell. So the family name helps you remember these are small freshwater turtles with a 'moving chest' that can close or protect their body.