How Do You Spell TELMATOBIUS CULEUS?

Pronunciation: [tˌɛlmɐtˈə͡ʊbɪəs kjˈʊlɪəs] (IPA)

The word "telmatobius culeus" is a scientific name for a type of frog. It is pronounced as [tɛlmətoʊbiəs kju:lɪəs], with emphasis on the second syllable of each word. The first part of the word, "telmatobius", comes from the Greek words "telma" meaning swamp and "bios" meaning life. The second part, "culeus", is Latin for a wine sack. Together, they describe the frog's habitat and the shape of its body. The correct spelling of scientific names is important for accurate communication and identification in the field of biology.

TELMATOBIUS CULEUS Meaning and Definition

1. Telmatobius culeus is a species of aquatic frog belonging to the Telmatobiidae family, endemic to Lake Titicaca and its surroundings in the Andean region of South America. It is commonly known as the Titicaca water frog, also referred to as the scrotum frog due to its distinctive loose skin folds on its abdomen and limbs.

   The Telmatobius culeus is a large amphibian species, growing up to 10-12 inches in length. It possesses distinct adaptations that allow it to survive in the harsh environment of Lake Titicaca, which is known for its cold, high-altitude waters. These adaptations include a large amount of skin folds that increase the surface area of the frog, aiding in respiration through the skin since oxygen levels in the lake are low. It also has powerful hind legs, webbed feet, and a long slender body, which assist in swimming and maneuvering through the water.

   Due to several threats to its survival, including habitat loss, pollution, and over-harvesting for various purposes including traditional medicine, the Telmatobius culeus is considered critically endangered. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this unique species, including captive breeding programs and habitat restoration initiatives. The Titicaca water frog holds ecological importance, serving as an indicator species for the overall health of the lake ecosystem and acting as a prey species for other animals in the region.

Etymology of TELMATOBIUS CULEUS

The word "Telmatobius culeus" is actually a binomial scientific name, which follows the standard naming convention used in taxonomy. It consists of two parts: the genus name "Telmatobius" and the species name "culeus".

1. Telmatobius: The genus name "Telmatobius" comes from Greek roots. "Telma" means "a marsh" or "swamp", while "bios" means "life". Therefore, "Telmatobius" can be translated as "marsh life", which reflects the habitat preference of the genus.

2. Culeus: The species name "culeus" is a Latin word that means "a sack" or "a bag". The name was given to this species due to its unique physical characteristic - it has a loose and baggy skin that resembles a pouch or sack.