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Glite Dictionary
Kogia simus

Kogia simus

9.9
A very small sperm whale about 8 feet long that lives near warm ocean coasts
  • noun
  • /koʊˈɡiːə ˈsaɪməs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Kogia simus
  • The Kogia simus is often mistaken for other small cetaceans due to its size and elusive behavior.

Examples

  • Marine biologists study the Kogia simus to learn about the adaptation of deep-diving mammals.

  • A stranded Kogia simus was found on the beach, prompting concern from local wildlife experts.

  • The Kogia simus is known for its small size.

  • Have you ever seen a Kogia simus in the wild?

  • A stranded Kogia simus was found on the beach, prompting concern from local wildlife experts.

  • Marine biologists study the Kogia simus to learn about the adaptation of deep-diving mammals.

  • The Kogia simus is often mistaken for other small cetaceans due to its size and elusive behavior.

Synonyms

dwarf sperm whale
vsKogia simus
  • Specialized
7.7

A very small sperm whale that lives in warm and cool seas and grows to about 8 feet long

is found mainly along central Atlantic and Pacific coasts

Surface Forms

Kogia simus singular
Kogia simuses plural

Morphology

Kogia + simus

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + species) and functions as a proper name rather than a compositional English phrase; the element 'simus' is not a common English word and provides no transparent cue. Even a learner who recognises 'Kogia' as a taxonomic label would not be able to derive the meaning 'a very small sperm whale' from the constituents, so the expression is unpredictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

The name Kogia simus may come from old Latin-style words used by scientists: Kogia is the group name for very small sperm whales and simus may mean 'snub-nosed', a short, round face. That's why Kogia simus is the name for a very small, shy sperm whale.