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Glite Dictionary
Testudinidae

Testudinidae

1 9.9
A group of land tortoises with domed shells and short, thick legs
  • noun
  • /ˌtɛstəˈdɪnɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: testudinidos
  • The family Testudinidae includes various species of tortoises that thrive in warm environments.

Examples

  • Researchers study the Testudinidae family to understand their adaptations to different habitats.

  • Ocean-going species are sea turtles, and members of the family Testudinidae, such as the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), are considered tortoises.

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  • Many animals in the Testudinidae family have domed shells and sturdy legs for navigating land.

Synonyms

family Testudinidae
vsTestudinidae
  • Specialized
1 8.8

A group of land tortoises with domed shells and short, heavy legs

is the identical scientific name written without the preceding common noun

Surface Forms

Testudinidae singular
Testudinidae plural

Morphology

Testudinidae = Testudo (opaque) = testudin + idae

The form is a scientific taxonomic formation (Latin root + family suffix) that is not analyzable or meaningful to average learners.

Etymology

The word Testudinidae comes from the Latin word testudo, which means 'tortoise', and the scientific ending -idae, which means 'family' or 'group' of animals. So Testudinidae simply names the family of land tortoises, which helps you remember it refers to those domed, stumpy-legged tortoises.