family Orectolobidae
- noun
- /ˈfæmɪli ɔːˌrɛktəˈloʊbɪdeɪ/
- Specialized
- The family Orectolobidae includes notable species such as the nurse shark and carpet shark.
Examples
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The family Orectolobidae includes species like the nurse shark.
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Many members of the family Orectolobidae are found in shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
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Scientists studied the unique camouflage patterns found in the family Orectolobidae species.
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The whale shark is not part of the family Orectolobidae, despite its similar feeding behavior.
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Did you know that the family Orectolobidae has unique patterns?
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Many members of the family Orectolobidae are found in shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
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Scientists have identified distinct camouflage patterns within the family Orectolobidae that help these sharks blend into their environments.
Synonyms
A group of sharks like nurse or carpet sharks with flat bodies and patterned skin
Surface Forms
Morphology
This phrase is compositionally transparent: it names a taxonomic grouping by combining 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the proper name 'Orectolobidae', so the meaning 'the family called Orectolobidae (a group of sharks)' is directly derivable. Taxonomic naming conventions are cross-linguistically common, making this immediately understandable to learners who know both constituents.
Etymology
Family Orectolobidae may come from an old Greek word that pictures a shark lying flat and spread out like a rug. Many of these sharks are called 'carpet sharks' because their bodies are wide and have rug-like patterns, so the name helps you remember they are the flat, patterned sharks.
