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Glite Dictionary
genus Daphnia

genus Daphnia

7.3
Small freshwater animals called water fleas that float in water
  • noun
  • /ˈdæf.ni.ə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Daphnia
  • The genus Daphnia includes several species of water fleas.

Examples

  • The genus Daphnia is often used in ecological and toxicology studies due to its sensitivity.

  • Scientists observed several species within the genus Daphnia in the pond's water sample.

  • Freshwater ecosystems frequently include members of the genus Daphnia as key components of the food web.

  • Did you know that genus Daphnia can reproduce asexually?

  • Members of the genus Daphnia play a crucial role in freshwater food chains by serving as a food source for various fish.

  • Recent studies have identified over 100 species within the genus Daphnia in North American lakes.

  • Researchers often use the genus Daphnia in laboratory experiments to assess the impact of pollutants in aquatic environments.

Surface Forms

genus Daphnia singular
genera Daphnia plural

Morphology

genus + daphnia

The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with the taxon name 'Daphnia' yields the straightforward meaning 'the genus named Daphnia' or the group of species called Daphnia. This genus + taxon-name pattern is common in scientific naming and across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Genus Daphnia uses genus, a word meaning a 'group' of related animals, and Daphnia, an old name for tiny, flea-like water creatures. Picture little 'water fleas' jumping in a pond—this image explains why the name refers to a group of small freshwater crustaceans.