Ochotonidae
- noun
- /ˌɒkəˈtoʊnɪˌdeɪ/
- Specialized
- The Ochotonidae family includes both living pikas and several extinct species.
Examples
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Researchers study the Ochotonidae to understand the evolution of lagomorphs.
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The Ochotonidae family includes several species of pikas.
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Climate change poses a threat to many members of the Ochotonidae in mountainous regions.
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Have you ever seen an Ochotonidae in the wild?
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The Ochotonidae family includes various species of pikas that thrive in high-altitude habitats.
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Scientist monitor the populations of Ochotonidae to assess the impact of habitat loss.
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Conservation efforts are crucial for preserving the Ochotonidae, which are sensitive to climate changes.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Ochotonidae = Ochotona (opaque) = Ochotona + idae
This is a technical taxonomic formation (genus name + '-idae') whose meaning is only clear to those familiar with scientific naming conventions, so learners cannot derive the family meaning from the parts.
Etymology
Ochotonidae comes from the scientific name Ochotona, the name for pikas, plus the ending -idae that means 'family' in animal names. So, Ochotonidae simply means the 'family' of small pikas and their relatives that live in mountains.