WATER SHREW Meaning and
Definition
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A water shrew refers to a small, semi-aquatic mammal belonging to the family Soricidae and the genus Neomys, commonly known as the water shrews or aquatic shrews. These shrews are typically found in Eurasia, inhabiting a variety of freshwater habitats such as streams, rivers, ponds, and marshes.
Measuring around 7 to 12 centimeters in length, water shrews have a sleek, elongated body covered in short, dense fur, which is typically dark brown or black in color. They possess a distinctive pointed snout and small eyes, allowing them to accurately locate their prey underwater. Water shrews have sensory whiskers, or vibrissae, which aid in locating prey and navigating in their watery environments.
Water shrews are highly adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, with several unique features. Their webbed hind feet enable efficient swimming, while their dark velvet-like fur traps a layer of air, providing insulation and buoyancy. These remarkable adaptations allow the water shrew to dive and move swiftly underwater in search of its preferred prey, which primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates.
Although primarily solitary creatures, water shrews are territorial and establish well-defined home ranges within their aquatic habitats. Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans, insects, and amphibians, which they efficiently capture with their sharp teeth. Water shrews are known for their rapid metabolism and high energy requirements, necessitating a constant intake of food.
Overall, water shrews are fascinating small mammals that have successfully adapted to life in aquatic environments. Their unique physiological adaptations and ecological niche as skilled divers and hunters make them an interesting subject of study for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Common Misspellings for WATER SHREW
- qater shrew
- aater shrew
- sater shrew
- eater shrew
- 3ater shrew
- 2ater shrew
- wzter shrew
- wster shrew
- wwter shrew
- wqter shrew
- warer shrew
- wafer shrew
- wager shrew
- wayer shrew
- wa6er shrew
- wa5er shrew
- watwr shrew
- watsr shrew
- watdr shrew
Etymology of WATER SHREW
The word "water shrew" is a compound word combining "water" and "shrew".
The term "water" comes from the Old English word "wæter", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "watar". This word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as the Old High German "wazzar" and Old Norse "vatn". The ultimate origin of the word "water" is uncertain, but it is believed to have Indo-European roots.
The term "shrew" comes from the Middle English word "shrewe", which originally referred to an evil or malicious person. This word can be linked to the Old English word "screawa", meaning "an evil or mischievous person". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "skrewa", which meant "a twisted or crooked person".
Similar spelling words for WATER SHREW
- water ouzel,
- water snake,
- water-washed,
- waitress,
- water gun,
- water skater,
- water ski,
- watercress,
- water gap,
- water wagon,
- water strider,
- water shamrock,
- water ox,
- water starwort,
- water gas,
- water gate,
- water right,
- water glass,
- Water Waggon,
- water sapphire,
- water sprite,
- water cooler,
- Watterson,
- water stoma,
- watershed,
- water gauge,
- water-wash,
- water closet,
- waterhouse,
- water scooter,
- water spaniel,
- water-shield,
- water skin,
- water supply,
- water softener,
- water gage,
- water ice,
- water clover,
- water chute,
- water sport,
- water oak,
- water gum,
- water jug,
- water system.
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