Zalophus californicus
- proper noun
- /zəˈloʊfəs ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkəs/
- Specialized
:
león marino de California
- Trained Zalophus californicus can perform tricks and interact with spectators at public shows.
Examples
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The Zalophus californicus is commonly seen in aquariums and marine parks across the United States.
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Researchers studied the habitat range of Zalophus californicus along the Pacific coastline.
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The Zalophus californicus is known for its playful behavior.
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Did you see the Zalophus californicus at the aquarium?
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Trained Zalophus californicus can perform tricks and interact with spectators at public shows.
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The Zalophus californicus is commonly seen in aquariums and marine parks across the United States.
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Researchers studied the habitat range of Zalophus californicus along the Pacific coastline.
Synonyms
19
1.4
A large seal with visible ears that lives in cold Pacific waters
1
3.4
A large brown sea animal with ear flaps often trained for shows
A sea lion from the west coast of North America often trained for shows
Surface Forms
Morphology
Zalophus + californicus
The binomial combines a genus name 'Zalophus' (a sea lion genus) with the specific epithet 'californicus' which transparently signals 'of California' — together yielding 'California sea lion'. Although 'californicus' is Latin, its relation to 'California' is obvious and the taxonomic genus+epithet composition makes the referent predictable for learners who know both parts.
Etymology
Zalophus californicus is the scientific name for the California sea lion. The word Zalophus is the group name scientists give to some sea lions and californicus shows 'from California', so the name points to the 'sea lion' you see on the California coast.