dasyure
- noun
- /ˈdæsɪˌjʊr/
- Australian
:
dasyurus
- The spotted-tailed dasyure is one of Australia's most efficient predators.
Examples
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Scientists observed a dasyure hunting insects in the rainforest canopy.
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Despite its small size, a dasyure can be quite ferocious when threatened.
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The dasyure is a fascinating creature.
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Many dasyures are found in the forests of Australia.
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The spotted-tailed dasyure is often found hunting in the underbrush of Australian forests.
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During their nighttime activities, dasyures feed on small insects and other prey.
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A dasyure has sharp teeth, which it uses effectively to catch and consume its food.
Synonyms
A small meat-eating marsupial from Australia and Tasmania that hunts at night
A small meat-eating marsupial active at night in Australia and Tasmania
Compounds
- Australian
A small animal from New Guinea that eats insects and small animals and has stripes on its back
- Australian
A small fierce animal from New Guinea that eats meat and has black fur and a long tail
Surface Forms
Etymology
Dasyure comes from the Greek parts dasys 'hairy' and oura 'tail', so it literally means 'hairy tail'. This is an easy way to remember the word because these small, meat-eating animals that carry their young in a pouch, like kangaroos, often have bushy tails.
