NEOMYS FODIENS Meaning and
Definition
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Neomys fodiens, commonly known as the European water shrew, is a small semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the family Soricidae. Found primarily in Europe, this species is known for its distinctive adaptations and features that enable it to efficiently live both on land and in water.
The European water shrew typically measures between 10 and 11 centimeters in length, with a tail that adds an additional 4 to 6 centimeters. It possesses a dense coat of dark brown or black fur, which is waterproof due to specialized hairs that trap air bubbles, aiding in buoyancy. The shrew's feet are well adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle, featuring fringes of stiff hairs along the margins that act like paddles, aiding in swimming and traversing through water.
Living in a variety of freshwater habitats such as ponds, streams, and marshes, the European water shrew is an accomplished swimmer, able to dive and swim underwater for about 15 seconds at a time. While it primarily feeds on small invertebrates, such as aquatic insects, worms, and snails, it may occasionally consume fish or amphibians. Its pointed muzzle, sharp teeth, and heightened senses aid in capturing prey both on land and in water.
The European water shrew possesses a unique metabolic rate, requiring it to consume nearly its own body weight daily to meet its energetic demands. This high metabolic rate is believed to be related to its small body size and the challenges of maintaining warmth in the water.
Despite its name, the European water shrew is not exclusively confined to Europe, as it also inhabits regions of Western Asia. It plays an important ecological role as a predator, controlling populations of small aquatic invertebrates, and is considered an indicator species
Common Misspellings for NEOMYS FODIENS
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Etymology of NEOMYS FODIENS
The term "Neomys fodiens" is the scientific name for the Eurasian water shrew, a small semi-aquatic mammal native to Europe and western Asia.
The word "Neomys" is derived from the Greek words "neos" meaning "new", and "mys" meaning "mouse". It refers to the shrew's resemblance to a small mouse but with some distinctive physical characteristics that differentiate it from true mice.
The species name "fodiens" comes from the Latin word "fodio", which means "to dig". This name reflects the shrew's behavior of digging burrows near water sources, where it spends much of its time searching for its aquatic prey.
In summary, the etymology of "Neomys fodiens" combines Greek and Latin roots to describe the shrew's appearance and behavior.
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