VULPES MACROTIS Meaning and
Definition
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Vulpes macrotis, more commonly known as the kit fox, is a small species of fox native to North America. Its scientific name, Vulpes macrotis, comes from the Latin word "vulpes" meaning fox and "macrotis" meaning big-eared. This species is named for its distinctively large ears, which are a key characteristic that sets it apart from other fox species.
The kit fox is a solitary and nocturnal animal that inhabits arid regions, such as deserts and grasslands, across southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. It has a compact and lightweight body, measuring about 18 to 20 inches in length and weighing between 2 to 4 pounds. Its fur coloration varies from sandy and grayish-yellow to pale reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage in its desert habitat.
With excellent hearing capabilities due to its large ears, the kit fox is a skilled hunter, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, and even fruits and vegetation when necessary. Despite being primarily carnivorous, it has adapted to survive in harsh desert environments by obtaining water primarily from its prey and minimizing its water requirements.
Due to ongoing threats such as habitat loss, urbanization, and human activities, the kit fox population has faced challenges. However, conservation efforts have been implemented to protect and preserve this species and its habitat, recognizing its ecological importance and unique adaptations for survival in desert environments.
Common Misspellings for VULPES MACROTIS
- culpes macrotis
- bulpes macrotis
- gulpes macrotis
- fulpes macrotis
- vylpes macrotis
- vhlpes macrotis
- vjlpes macrotis
- vilpes macrotis
- v8lpes macrotis
- v7lpes macrotis
- vukpes macrotis
- vuppes macrotis
- vuopes macrotis
- vuloes macrotis
- vulles macrotis
- vul-es macrotis
- vul0es macrotis
- vulpws macrotis
- vulpss macrotis
Etymology of VULPES MACROTIS
The word "Vulpes macrotis" is a scientific binomial name used to represent a specific species of mammal, commonly known as the kit fox.
The term "Vulpes" is derived from the Latin word "vulpēs", which means "fox". This word was later borrowed from Latin into several Romance languages, including French (renard) and Spanish (zorro).
The word "macrotis" is derived from the Greek words "makros", meaning "large", and "ōtis", meaning "ear". This refers to the distinctive large ears of the kit fox, which is one of its identifying physical characteristics.
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