genus Uria
- noun
- Specialized
- The genus Uria includes two species of murres found in the northern oceans.
Examples
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The eggs of the genus Uria are known for their unique pear shape, which helps prevent them from rolling off cliffs.
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The genus Uria includes species like the common murre.
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Scientists observed differences in breeding behavior between members of the genus Uria and closely related seabirds.
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Many researchers study the genus Uria for its unique adaptations.
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The genus Uria comprises seabirds that are recognized for their exceptional diving abilities.
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Researchers noted variations in diet among species in the genus Uria based on their habitats.
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Birdwatchers often seek to observe the genus Uria in northern coastal regions during the breeding season.
Synonyms
A group of seabirds that dive for fish and live in northern seas
Surface Forms
Morphology
This phrase is compositionally transparent: 'genus' denotes a biological rank and 'Uria' is the name of that taxon, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to the taxonomic group called Uria (murres). The NP follows a regular, cross-linguistic taxonomic naming pattern (genus + name), making the meaning immediately derivable from the parts.
Etymology
Genus Uria is the name for a group of cliff-living seabirds called 'murres'. The word Uria brings to mind birds crowded on small cliff ledges and their pear-shaped eggs that do not roll, and that clear picture helps you remember that genus Uria refers to these northern, sea-cliff birds.