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Glite Dictionary
Tupaia

Tupaia

1 9.9
A small mammal that lives in trees in Southeast Asia
  • proper noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Tupaia
  • Did you know that a Tupaia can leap between branches?

Examples

  • A Tupaia was observed building a nest in the rainforest canopy.

  • Scientists often study Tupaia to understand the evolution of primates.

  • The genus Tupaia includes several species of tree shrews found in Southeast Asia.

  • The Tupaia is often found in the forests of Malaysia.

  • During James Cook's expedition, the skilled navigator Tupaia helped the crew communicate with the indigenous people.

  • Tupaia was known for his remarkable ability to interpret languages during the explorations in the Pacific.

  • The tree shrew, Tupaia, is often seen foraging for insects among the branches in its forest habitat.

Synonyms

tree shrew
vsTupaia
  • Philippine
1 8.4

A small mammal like a squirrel that climbs trees and eats insects

refers to the genus grouping those mammals rather than individual animals
genus Tupaia
vsTupaia
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small mammals that live in trees in Southeast Asia

has identical meaning but is the scientific genus label

Compounds

genus Tupaia
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small mammals that live in trees in Southeast Asia

Surface Forms

Tupaia main

Etymology

Tupaia comes from the Malay word tupai, which means 'squirrel'. That's why the name fits these small tree shrews that live in the trees of Southeast Asia like little squirrels.