Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
genus Tenrec

genus Tenrec

9.9
A group of small mammals from Madagascar called tenrecs
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈtɛnˌrɛk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Tenrec
  • The genus Tenrec is native to Madagascar and includes a variety of small mammals.

Examples

  • Researchers discovered a new species within the genus Tenrec during their expedition.

  • Members of the genus Tenrec exhibit a remarkable diversity in form and habitat.

  • The genus Tenrec includes various species native to Madagascar.

  • Did you know that the genus Tenrec is unique to Madagascar?

  • The genus Tenrec is significant for its unique evolutionary traits found only in Madagascar.

  • Scientists have classified several new species within the genus Tenrec over the past decade.

  • The genus Tenrec consists of small mammals adapted to various environments in Madagascar.

Surface Forms

genus Tenrec singular
genera Tenrec plural

Morphology

genus + tenrec

The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: combining 'genus' (a biological rank) with 'tenrec' (the animal) directly yields the genus that contains tenrecs. This compositional, cross-linguistically common naming pattern is predictable for learners who know both constituent words, so the meaning is transparent.

Etymology

Genus Tenrec may come from the local word for these small mammals in the language of Madagascar. The word genus means a scientific 'group' and Tenrec is the local name, so the name shows this 'group' is the tenrecs.