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Glite Dictionary
Spheniscidae

Spheniscidae

9.9
A family of birds that includes all penguins
  • noun
  • /sfɛnɪˈsɪkəˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Spheniscidae
  • The family Spheniscidae encompasses all modern penguin species, from the Emperor to the Little Blue Penguin.

Examples

  • The family Spheniscidae includes several species, such as the Emperor Penguin and the Adélie Penguin.

  • Researchers presented a new genetic study on the evolutionary history of Spheniscidae at the conference.

  • Fossil records show that Spheniscidae has existed for millions of years in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • The family Spheniscidae includes all penguin species.

  • Did you know that Spheniscidae are native to the Southern Hemisphere?

  • Scientists classify Spheniscidae as a unique family of birds adapted to life in cold, aquatic environments.

  • In studies of marine biology, Spheniscidae plays a crucial role in understanding ecosystem dynamics.

Synonyms

family Spheniscidae
vsSpheniscidae
  • Specialized
8.1

A group of penguin species that are alive today

is identical in meaning but uses scientific wording rather than biological

Compounds

family Spheniscidae
  • Specialized
8.1

A group of penguin species that are alive today

Surface Forms

Spheniscidae singular
Spheniscidaes plural

Morphology

Spheniscidae = Spheniscus (opaque) = Sphenisc + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a technical taxonomic marker meaning 'family' and is not predictable to average learners without domain knowledge.

Etymology

Spheniscidae comes from a Greek root sphen- meaning 'wedge'. Think of a penguin's body as a 'wedge' that helps it cut through water, and that's why this name is used for the whole penguin family.