How Do You Spell DUGONGIDAE?

Pronunciation: [djˈuːɡəŋɡˌɪdiː] (IPA)

Dugongidae is a word that refers to a family of sea mammals that includes dugongs and manatees. It is pronounced as /duːˈɡɒŋɪdeɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, where the "d" and "g" are pronounced separately, and "o" is pronounced as "u". The "i" before "d" gives it a long "e" sound, while the "ae" at the end is pronounced as "ay". The spelling is derived from its scientific name, which combines the Latin word "dugon" meaning a sea cow, and the suffix "-idae" used to indicate a family classification in biology.

DUGONGIDAE Meaning and Definition

1. Dugongidae, commonly referred to as dugongs, is a family of aquatic mammals that belong to the order Sirenia. They are known to be the only fully marine herbivorous mammals in existence. Dugongs are closely related to manatees, but differ from them in terms of physical characteristics and habitat preferences.

   Dugongs are characterized by their large, elongated bodies that can reach lengths of up to 3 meters. They have paddle-like flippers and a distinct tail resembling that of a whale, which aids them in maneuvering through the water. These mammals have a streamlined shape, allowing them to glide effortlessly through their preferred shallow coastal and island waters.

   As herbivores, dugongs rely on a diet exclusively composed of marine vegetation, particularly seagrasses. They possess unique elongated mouths and specialized dental structures that enable them to efficiently graze on seagrass blades. This ecological role makes them crucial to seagrass ecosystems as they help maintain the balance between the vegetation and their marine environment.

   Dugongs are found in several tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They are known for their social behavior and are often observed forming small groups or larger herds. Female dugongs give birth to single calves, which they rear and nurse until they are independent.

   Despite being listed as a vulnerable species, dugongs face numerous threats due to human activities such as habitat degradation, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these gentle marine mammals and ensure their survival for future generations.

Common Misspellings for DUGONGIDAE

• sugongidae
• xugongidae
• cugongidae
• fugongidae
• rugongidae
• eugongidae
• dygongidae
• dhgongidae
• djgongidae
• digongidae
• d8gongidae
• d7gongidae
• dufongidae
• duvongidae
• dubongidae
• duhongidae
• duyongidae
• dutongidae
• dugingidae

Etymology of DUGONGIDAE

The word Dugongidae is derived from the Ancient Greek word dugongos, which means lady of the sea. The suffix -idae is of Latin origin and is used to denote a family in taxonomy. Therefore, Dugongidae refers to the taxonomic family that contains the dugong species, often referred to as sea cows.

Similar spelling word for DUGONGIDAE

• Dugong Dugon.