How Do You Spell CAPRA PYRENAICA?

Pronunciation: [kˈapɹə pˌa͡ɪɹɪnˈe͡ɪkə] (IPA)

Capra pyrenaica is a species of wild goat found in the Pyrenees Mountains. The word "Capra" is pronounced /ˈkæprə/, with the "c" being pronounced like a "k" and the "a" as a schwa sound. "Pyrenaica" is pronounced /ˌpɪrəˈnaɪkə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "y" is pronounced like an "i" and the "e" at the end is silent. The word "Pyrenaica" refers to the region of the Pyrenees Mountains where these goats are found.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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CAPRA PYRENAICA Meaning and Definition

  1. Capra pyrenaica, commonly known as the Pyrenean chamois or Iberian chamois, is a species of mountain ungulate belonging to the Bovidae family. It is found in the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, and Sierra de Gredos in Spain, as well as the French Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa. This species is known for its agility and sure-footedness in steep and rocky terrain.

    The Pyrenean chamois is notable for its physical characteristics. It has a robust and compact body, with a height ranging from 70 to 85 centimeters at the shoulder. Its coat is brown in the summer, turning darker and thicker in the winter to provide insulation from the cold. Both males and females possess short, slightly backward-curved horns, which are thicker and stronger in males.

    This herbivorous mammal is adapted to alpine environments, where it primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, shrubs, and lichens. It is a diurnal animal, being most active during the morning and late afternoon. The Pyrenean chamois forms small groups, typically consisting of a dominant male, females, and their offspring.

    Endemic to southwestern Europe, Capra pyrenaica is considered a flagship species for the conservation of mountain ecosystems. It faces multiple threats, including habitat fragmentation, hunting, and climate change. Efforts are being made to protect its habitat and control these threats in order to ensure the long-term survival of this remarkable species.

Etymology of CAPRA PYRENAICA

The etymology of the term "Capra pyrenaica" can be broken down into two parts:

1. Capra: The word "capra" comes from the Latin word "capra" which means "she-goat". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "kap-", meaning "to seize" or "to grasp". This word has been used to categorize and refer to various species of goats.

2. Pyrenaica: The word "pyrenaica" refers to the Pyrenees, a mountain range in Europe that forms the natural border between Spain and France. The term is derived from the ancient Greek word "Pyrene", which was the name of a princess in Greek mythology. According to the myth, Pyrene was the daughter of Bebryx, the King of the Bebryces people.