HETEROCEPHALUS Meaning and
Definition
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Heterocephalus is a term used in biology to describe a genus of rodents known as naked mole-rats. These creatures are characterized by their distinct physical features and unusual social behavior.
Naked mole-rats are burrowing mammals that lack fur, appearing naked or bald. They have a cylindrical body shape with short legs and a short tail. A prominent feature of heterocephalus is their large, protruding front teeth, which they use to dig tunnels and chew through roots.
These rodents are found in sub-Saharan Africa and live in complex underground burrow systems called colonies. A colony consists of a queen, several breeding males, and a large number of non-breeding workers. The queen is the only reproductive female, giving birth to all the offspring within the colony.
Heterocephalus exhibit eusocial behavior, similar to ants or bees, where specific individuals have specialized roles within the colony. The non-breeding workers are responsible for digging tunnels, foraging for food, and taking care of the young. This social structure is crucial for the survival and organization of the colony.
Due to their adaptations to life underground, heterocephalus have unique physiological traits. They are able to tolerate low levels of oxygen and have a high resistance to cancer. These traits, along with their unusual physical appearance and social behavior, make them a fascinating subject of study in the fields of biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology.
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In bot., having some flower-heads male, and others female, on the same plant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HETEROCEPHALUS
- geterocephalus
- beterocephalus
- neterocephalus
- jeterocephalus
- ueterocephalus
- yeterocephalus
- hwterocephalus
- hsterocephalus
- hdterocephalus
- hrterocephalus
- h4terocephalus
- h3terocephalus
- hererocephalus
- heferocephalus
- hegerocephalus
- heyerocephalus
- he6erocephalus
- he5erocephalus
- hetwrocephalus
Etymology of HETEROCEPHALUS
The word "heterocephalus" originates from the combination of two Greek roots: "heteros" meaning "different" or "other", and "kephalē" meaning "head". Thus, the term "heterocephalus" essentially translates to "different head" or "other head".
Similar spelling words for HETEROCEPHALUS
- heterosexual,
- hydrocephalus,
- heterogenous,
- heteroscelus,
- heteroecious,
- heterogeneous,
- heterocyclic,
- heterozygous,
- heteroicous,
- heterocercal,
- heterocycle,
- Heterocercal Fin,
- heterosexualism.
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