family Trichechidae
- noun
- /ˈfæmɪli trɪˈkɛkɪdeɪ/
- Specialized
- The family Trichechidae includes all living species of manatees.
Examples
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Conservation efforts focus on protecting members of the family Trichechidae from habitat loss.
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Scientists study the evolution of the family Trichechidae to better understand aquatic mammals.
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The family Trichechidae includes the manatee species.
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Did you know that the family Trichechidae is endangered?
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The conservation team is dedicated to the survival of the family Trichechidae, which consists solely of manatees.
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Researchers have discovered new information about the family Trichechidae that highlights their unique adaptations to aquatic life.
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In coastal waters, members of the family Trichechidae can often be seen grazing on sea plants.
Synonyms
A group of water mammals that includes only manatees
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase composed of the generic term 'family' (a scientific grouping) plus the taxon name 'Trichechidae'; its meaning (the family called Trichechidae, i.e. the manatees) is directly derivable from the constituents. Taxonomic label patterns (family X / familia X) are cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the phrase.
Etymology
The name family Trichechidae comes from scientific naming: scientists put similar animals into a family and called the group of 'manatees' Trichechidae. So family Trichechidae today means the animal family that includes all living 'manatees'.