MICROTUS PENNSYLVATICUS Meaning and
Definition
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Microtus pennsylvaticus, commonly known as the meadow vole, is a species of small rodent native to North America. It belongs to the family Cricetidae, which includes voles and lemmings. The meadow vole is a small, stocky mammal with a rounded body, short legs, and a short tail. It typically measures around 4 to 5 inches in length, with a weight ranging from 0.8 to 2.0 ounces.
These voles are primarily found in grassy habitats such as meadows, marshes, and fields throughout eastern and central North America. They are highly adaptable and can occupy a wide range of environments, thriving in both open areas and forested regions.
Meadow voles are herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, sedges, and other herbaceous plants. They are known for their extensive burrowing activities, constructing complex tunnel systems underground, which provide shelter and protection from predators. They are also notorious for their ability to reproduce rapidly, producing multiple litters per year with an average litter size of 3 to 6 pups.
Despite their small size, meadow voles play a crucial role in the ecosystem as prey for numerous predators, including owls, hawks, foxes, and snakes. Additionally, they contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling through their burrowing activities.
Overall, Microtus pennsylvaticus is an important and widespread small mammal species, playing a significant role in both the ecological dynamics of its habitat and the food chain within its ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for MICROTUS PENNSYLVATICUS
- nicrotus pennsylvaticus
- kicrotus pennsylvaticus
- jicrotus pennsylvaticus
- mucrotus pennsylvaticus
- mjcrotus pennsylvaticus
- mkcrotus pennsylvaticus
- mocrotus pennsylvaticus
- m9crotus pennsylvaticus
- m8crotus pennsylvaticus
- mixrotus pennsylvaticus
- mivrotus pennsylvaticus
- mifrotus pennsylvaticus
- midrotus pennsylvaticus
- miceotus pennsylvaticus
- micdotus pennsylvaticus
- micfotus pennsylvaticus
- mictotus pennsylvaticus
- mic5otus pennsylvaticus
- mic4otus pennsylvaticus
Etymology of MICROTUS PENNSYLVATICUS
The word "Microtus pennsylvaticus" is actually a scientific name given to a species of vole, commonly known as the meadow vole. It belongs to the genus Microtus, which includes a diverse group of small rodents.
The term "Microtus" has Greek origins, derived from the words "mikros" meaning "small" and "otos" meaning "ear". This name references the rodents' relatively small ears compared to other members of their family.
The second part of the scientific name, "pennsylvaticus", refers to the specific species of vole found in Pennsylvania, United States. The term is derived from the Latin word "pennsylvania", which means "Pennsylvania". It indicates that the species was first identified or described from specimens collected in Pennsylvania.
