TAPIRIDAE Meaning and
Definition
-
Tapiridae is a noun that refers to a family of large, herbivorous mammals that belong to the order Perissodactyla. This family is commonly known as tapirs and includes four extant species: the Malayan tapir, the Baird's tapir, the Brazilian tapir, and the mountain tapir. Tapiridae is characterized by its unique appearance, with a stout body, short legs, and a distinctive elongated snout, resembling a mix of a pig and an elephant. They have a stocky build and a thick skin, often with patches or bands of different colors.
Tapirs are widely distributed across various habitats in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Himalayas. They are mainly solitary and predominantly active during the night, using their excellent sense of smell to forage for leaves, fruits, and other vegetation. Due to their role as seed dispersers, tapirs play a crucial ecological role in maintaining forest ecosystems.
Tapiridae is also known for its evolutionary significance, as these animals share common ancestry with horses and rhinoceros. They are considered living fossils, with a lineage dating back to the Eocene epoch. Despite their ancient heritage, tapirs face various threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation of populations. Conservation efforts are underway to protect tapirs and their habitats, as these unique creatures play a vital part in the ecological balance of their respective ecosystems.
-
A group of animals having much the aspect of a pig, but about the size of an ass.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TAPIRIDAE
- rapiridae
- fapiridae
- gapiridae
- yapiridae
- 6apiridae
- 5apiridae
- tzpiridae
- tspiridae
- twpiridae
- tqpiridae
- taoiridae
- taliridae
- ta-iridae
- ta0iridae
- tapuridae
- tapjridae
- tapkridae
- taporidae
- tap9ridae
Etymology of TAPIRIDAE
The word "Tapiridae" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "Tapirus", which refers to the tapir, an animal species belonging to the Tapiridae family. In Latin, the suffix "-idae" designates a taxonomic family. The term "Tapiridae" thus represents the scientific family name for tapirs.
