How Do You Spell ACIPENSER SINENSIS?

Pronunciation: [ɐsˈa͡ɪpnsə sˈa͡ɪnnsɪs] (IPA)

Acipenser sinensis is a species of sturgeon native to China. The spelling of this word can be understood through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. "Acipenser" is spelled as "əˈsɪpənsər" with a schwa sound in the first syllable, an "i" sound in the second syllable, and stress on the third syllable. "Sinensis" is spelled as "saɪˈnɛnsɪs" with stress on the second syllable, an "i" sound in the third syllable, and an "ɛ" sound in the fourth syllable. The correct pronunciation of this word is important for proper understanding and communication in the scientific community.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ACIPENSER SINENSIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Acipenser sinensis refers to a species of sturgeon commonly known as Chinese sturgeon. It is a large, long-lived, and critically endangered fish found primarily in the Yangtze River basin in China.

    Characterized by their elongated bodies and cartilaginous skeletons, Chinese sturgeons can reach lengths of up to three meters and weigh over 450 kilograms. They possess a distinctive heterocercal tail fin, with the upper lobe being much larger than the lower lobe. Their bodies are covered in scale-like plates called scutes, which protect them from potential predators and collisions with underwater obstacles.

    These sturgeons are anadromous, meaning that they spend most of their adult lives in the sea, but return to freshwater rivers to spawn. They have a complex life cycle, typically taking 8-10 years to reach sexual maturity. Chinese sturgeons are known for their longevity, with some individuals living for more than 20 years.

    Due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution, the Chinese sturgeon population has drastically declined over the years, leading to its classification as critically endangered. Conservation efforts, such as captive breeding and habitat restoration, are being implemented to protect and rebuild the population. The Chinese sturgeon is not only ecologically significant but also culturally important to the region, as it holds symbolic value in Chinese folklore and is considered a living fossil.

Etymology of ACIPENSER SINENSIS

The word "Acipenser sinensis" has two main components: "Acipenser" and "sinensis".

1. "Acipenser": The word "Acipenser" comes from the Latin term "acicula", meaning "needle", and "pinnus", meaning "fin". It refers to the needle-like shape of the sturgeon's fins. The word gradually evolved into "Acipenser" in Latin, which refers to the genus of fish known as sturgeons.

2. "sinensis": The word "sinensis" is derived from the Latin term "Sinae", which means "Chinese". It is used to indicate that the species referred to in the name is native to or associated with China. Therefore, "Acipenser sinensis" specifically refers to the sturgeon species native to China.