MICROTUS OCHROGASTER Meaning and
Definition
-
Microtus ochrogaster, commonly known as the prairie vole, is a small species of rodent belonging to the genus Microtus and the family Cricetidae. It is predominantly found in the grasslands and prairies of central North America, stretching from southern Canada to the United States.
Prairie voles typically measure around 4 to 5 inches in length, with a tail length of 1 to 2 inches. They have a stout body and short legs, ideal for their burrowing lifestyle. They have a dense fur coat that is mainly brown or grayish-brown in color, which provides camouflage in their natural habitat.
These voles are social creatures and typically form monogamous pairs. They construct elaborate burrow systems underground, consisting of multiple chambers and tunnels. Prairie voles have a voracious herbivorous diet, feeding on grasses, sedges, and various other plant materials.
Microtus ochrogaster is of great scientific interest due to its unique mating system and social behavior. They are one of the few mammalian species that display monogamous relationships, forming long-term partnerships with a single mate. This characteristic makes them valuable subjects for studying social bonding, parental care, and the neurobiology of social behavior.
The prairie vole population plays a crucial ecological role as they are integral to the functioning of grassland ecosystems, aiding in soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal. However, the destruction of their habitat and agricultural practices are threatening their numbers in some regions, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect these important organisms.
Common Misspellings for MICROTUS OCHROGASTER
- nicrotus ochrogaster
- kicrotus ochrogaster
- jicrotus ochrogaster
- mucrotus ochrogaster
- mjcrotus ochrogaster
- mkcrotus ochrogaster
- mocrotus ochrogaster
- m9crotus ochrogaster
- m8crotus ochrogaster
- mixrotus ochrogaster
- mivrotus ochrogaster
- mifrotus ochrogaster
- midrotus ochrogaster
- miceotus ochrogaster
- micdotus ochrogaster
- micfotus ochrogaster
- mictotus ochrogaster
- mic5otus ochrogaster
- mic4otus ochrogaster
Etymology of MICROTUS OCHROGASTER
The word "Microtus Ochrogaster" is a scientific binomial name, which follows the guidelines of scientific nomenclature for naming organisms. The etymology of this name can be broken down into its individual parts:
1. Microtus: this word comes from the Greek words "mikros" meaning "small" and "ous" meaning "ear". Hence, it translates to "small ear" or "small-eared".
2. Ochrogaster: this word also originates from Greek, with "ochros" meaning "pale" or "yellowish" and "gaster" meaning "belly". Consequently, it translates to "pale belly" or "yellowish belly".
