DIDELPHOID Meaning and
Definition
-
Didelphoid is an adjective that refers to any animal or organism belonging to the family Didelphidae, which includes the marsupials commonly known as opossums. The term is derived from the Greek word "didelphys," meaning double-wombed or double-sprung, a reference to the marsupial reproductive system.
In a broader sense, didelphoid can also describe any organism that displays characteristics or traits similar to those of opossums. These traits include having a pouch in which they carry their underdeveloped young after birth, giving birth to relatively undeveloped offspring, and having a bicornuate uterus, which is divided into two chambers.
Didelphoid organisms are typically found in various parts of North, Central, and South America, inhabiting diverse habitats ranging from forests to grasslands. They have adapted to a wide range of diets, including omnivorous feeding habits. As a result, they often possess distinctive physiological features such as elongated snouts, opposable thumbs, and prehensile tails to aid in tree-climbing.
Due to their unique evolutionary history and ecological significance, didelphoids are often studied in the fields of zoology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. The diverse range of species within this family showcases the extraordinary adaptability of marsupials, making the term didelphoid a crucial concept when discussing the biology and classification of these fascinating creatures.
-
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DIDELPHOID
- didelphod
- didelphiod
- sidelphoid
- xidelphoid
- cidelphoid
- fidelphoid
- ridelphoid
- eidelphoid
- dudelphoid
- djdelphoid
- dkdelphoid
- dodelphoid
- d9delphoid
- d8delphoid
- diselphoid
- dixelphoid
- dicelphoid
- difelphoid
- direlphoid
- dieelphoid
Etymology of DIDELPHOID
The term "Didelphoid" is derived from the Latin word "didelphys", which means "double-wombed" or "two uteruses". It is a combination of the words "di-" meaning "two" and "delphys" meaning "wombed". The suffix "-oid" in taxonomic names refers to resemblance or similarity, indicating that an organism shares some characteristics with the animals in the family Didelphidae (opossums). Therefore, "Didelphoid" describes an organism that resembles or is similar to the opossums.
Similar spelling words for DIDELPHOID
