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Glite Dictionary
Patellidae

Patellidae

9.9
A family of sea snails with cone-shaped shells that cling to rocks between high and low tide
  • noun
  • /pəˈtɛlɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Patellidae
  • The Patellidae family includes various species of limpets.

Examples

  • Intertidal zones are often populated by various members of the Patellidae, which cling tightly to rocks.

  • Scientists discovered a previously unknown species belonging to the Patellidae family during their marine expedition.

  • The classification of Patellidae is based on both shell morphology and genetic analysis.

  • Many Patellidae can be found on rocky shores.

  • Many species of Patellidae can be seen clinging to rocks during low tide.

  • Researchers are studying the Patellidae family to understand their adaptations to coastal environments.

  • The unique shells of Patellidae help them survive in harsh intertidal conditions.

Surface Forms

Patellidae singular
Patellidaes plural

Morphology

Patellidae = patella (opaque) = patella + idae

Formed from the genus name 'Patella' plus the specialized scientific family suffix '-idae'; this taxonomic formation is not obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Patellidae comes from the Latin word patella, meaning 'small dish' or 'pan', plus the family ending -idae. Limpets in this group have simple, dish-shaped shells that cling to rocks, so the name helps you remember their shell shape and where they live.