FAMILY CAENOLESTIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Family Caenolestidae is a biological classification referring to a group of small, nocturnal marsupials commonly known as shrew opossums. The family belongs to the order Paucituberculata and is endemic to the Andes mountains in South America.
Caenolestids are characterized by their small sizes, measuring around 9 to 15 centimeters in length, and their resemblance to shrews due to their elongated snouts and small eyes. These creatures have a distinct and undulate row of teeth filled with sharp incisors, canines, and molars, which they use for feeding on insects, small invertebrates, and plant material.
Members of the Family Caenolestidae are generally solitary and live in a variety of habitats within their mountainous range, such as forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are primarily found at high altitudes, ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level. These agile climbers use their remarkable prehensile tails to assist in climbing and balancing on narrow branches.
Caenolestids are known to have a unique reproductive system compared to other marsupials. The females have a well-developed, pouch-like uterus where the offspring complete their gestation period after a short 10 to 14-day pregnancy. Once born, the young climb into the mother's pouch to continue their development, feeding on specialized milk produced by the mother.
Due to their elusive nature and restricted distribution, much about the ecology and behavior of Caenolestidae remains unknown. However, their conservation status is currently not a cause for concern as they are not considered endangered.
Common Misspellings for FAMILY CAENOLESTIDAE
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Etymology of FAMILY CAENOLESTIDAE
The word "Family Caenolestidae" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
"Family" comes from the Latin word "familia" which means "household" or "family". It is used in biology and taxonomy to refer to a rank in the classification system, denoting a higher level than a genus but lower than an order.
"Caenolestidae" comes from the Greek word "kainós" meaning "new" and "lestos" meaning "robber". It is a family name given to a group of marsupials found in South America known as shrew opossums. They are considered "new" or "recent" in evolutionary terms, and the term "robber" refers to their carnivorous diet.
