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Glite Dictionary
genus Melursus

genus Melursus

9.9
A group of bears that includes the sloth bear from India
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs mɛˈlɜr.səs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Melursus
  • The genus Melursus contains only the sloth bear, native to the Indian subcontinent.

Examples

  • Unlike other bear genera, the genus Melursus is characterized by long, shaggy hair and a diet high in insects.

  • Some taxonomists debate whether the genus Melursus should be merged with the genus Ursus.

  • The genus Melursus includes sloth bears.

  • Did you know that genus Melursus is often confused with Ursus?

  • The genus Melursus includes sloth bears, which are known for their distinctive appearance.

  • Taxonomists classify the genus Melursus as a separate group of bears from the genus Ursus.

  • In the genus Melursus, the sloth bear is recognized for its unique feeding habits, primarily consuming ants and termites.

Synonyms

Melursus
vsgenus Melursus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of bears that includes the sloth bear

is used when the group is considered merged into another genus

Surface Forms

genus Melursus singular
genera Melursus plural

Morphology

genus + Melursus

This is a straightforward taxonomic phrase combining 'genus' (a biological rank) with the proper name 'Melursus'; the meaning — the genus called Melursus that includes sloth bears — is directly derivable from the constituents. Although somewhat technical, the construction follows a common, cross-linguistic scientific naming pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand it.

Etymology

Genus Melursus comes from the Latin parts mel and ursus, meaning 'honey' and 'bear'. Naturalists named this group after the sloth bear's taste for honey and insects, so today genus Melursus refers to the group that contains the honey-loving sloth bear.