COLLARED LEMMING Meaning and
Definition
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A collared lemming is a small rodent belonging to the Lemmus genus and the Arvicolinae subfamily, primarily found in the Arctic regions of North America and Europe. It is named "collared" due to the distinctive dark patch of fur present around its neck. This species, also known by its scientific name Lemmus collaris, measures around 14 to 18 centimeters in length, with a tail length of 5 to 7 centimeters, and its weight may vary between 34 to 112 grams.
The collared lemming has specific adaptations that enable it to thrive in its harsh Arctic habitat. It possesses a dense, warm fur coat that changes color with the seasons to offer camouflage against the snow or vegetation. Being herbivorous, it primarily feeds on grasses, sedges, and mosses, relying on these plants for its dietary needs.
Known for its cyclic population dynamics, collared lemmings experience significant fluctuations in population size over time. Rapid increases in population, known as lemming years, can lead to mass migrations where large groups move across the landscape in search of suitable habitats and resources. This movement is triggered by factors like food availability and population density. Collared lemmings often construct burrows in the ground or utilize existing shelters found in rocks or underneath shrubs for protection from predators and the harsh Arctic climate.
Overall, the collared lemming plays an essential role in Arctic ecosystems as a primary consumer and prey species, linking vegetation with higher trophic levels, and serving as a food source for various predators, including arctic foxes, birds of prey, and stoats.
Common Misspellings for COLLARED LEMMING
- xollared lemming
- vollared lemming
- follared lemming
- dollared lemming
- cillared lemming
- ckllared lemming
- clllared lemming
- cpllared lemming
- c0llared lemming
- c9llared lemming
- coklared lemming
- coplared lemming
- coolared lemming
- colkared lemming
- colpared lemming
- coloared lemming
- collzred lemming
- collsred lemming
- collwred lemming
- collqred lemming
Etymology of COLLARED LEMMING
The word "collared lemming" is an English term used to describe a specific type of lemming, and its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Collared: The term "collared" refers to the unique feature of this species of lemming, which has a distinct band of brown fur encircling its neck like a collar. The word "collared" originated from the Middle English word "coler" (also spelled "collar"), which ultimately stems from the Old French word "coler" meaning "neckband" or "collar".
2. Lemming: The word "lemming" comes from the Norwegian word "lemskr" or "lemje", which refers to a small rodent. The word might be related to the Old Norse "lomr", meaning "a type of seabird".
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