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Glite Dictionary
genus Myrmecophaga

genus Myrmecophaga

9.9
A group of large South American mammals that eat ants and termites, including the giant anteater
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˌmɪrˌmɛkəˈfɑːɡə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Myrmecophaga
  • The genus Myrmecophaga includes the well-known giant anteater found throughout Central and South America.

Examples

  • The genus Myrmecophaga is known for its unique adaptations to a diet consisting mainly of ants and termites.

  • The distribution of animals belonging to the genus Myrmecophaga is limited mostly to tropical forests and grasslands.

  • Scientific studies of the genus Myrmecophaga have provided important insight into the evolution of ant-eating mammals.

  • The genus Myrmecophaga includes the giant anteater.

  • Did you know that the genus Myrmecophaga is found in South America?

  • Researchers recently discovered that the genus Myrmecophaga plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

  • The giant anteater, a fascinating mammal from the genus Myrmecophaga, can consume up to 30,000 ants in a single day.

Synonyms

Myrmecophaga
vsgenus Myrmecophaga
  • Specialized
9.9

A large anteater from Central and South America with a long tongue that eats ants and small insects

is the same group but native only to South America

Surface Forms

genus Myrmecophaga singular
genera Myrmecophaga plural

Morphology

genus + Myrmecophaga

The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with the taxonomic name 'Myrmecophaga' yields 'the genus called Myrmecophaga' or the group of species with that name. This follows standard, cross-linguistic scientific naming conventions rather than an idiomatic meaning, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Genus Myrmecophaga comes from ancient Greek parts: myrmec- meaning 'ant' and -phaga meaning 'to eat'. It was given to this group because these large animals eat ants, so the name literally means 'ant-eater' and fits them.