Arctoidea is a term that is used in the field of biology to describe a group of mammals that share a common ancestry. This group includes bears, raccoons, weasels, and other related species. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Arctoidea, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Arctoidea is a taxonomic superfamily that is used to classify a group of carnivorous mammals. This group is characterized by their plantigrade feet and the presence of a baculum in males. The term Arctoidea comes from the Greek word “arktos,” which means bear, and “oeides,” which means resembling.
Origin
The origin of Arctoidea can be traced back to the Eocene epoch, which was about 56 to 33.9 million years ago. During this period, the ancestors of the modern-day bears and other related species evolved and diversified.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Arctoidea is a term that is commonly used in the field of biology, and it has a specific meaning. However, in different dictionaries, the meaning of Arctoidea may vary. For example, in the Oxford English Dictionary, Arctoidea is defined as “a superfamily of carnivorous mammals that includes the bears, raccoons, and weasels.” In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Arctoidea is defined as “a superfamily of carnivorous mammals that includes the bears, raccoons, and their relatives.”
Associations
Arctoidea is associated with a group of carnivorous mammals that share a common ancestry. This group includes bears, raccoons, weasels, and other related species. Arctoidea is also associated with the Eocene epoch, which was a period of time when the ancestors of modern-day bears and other related species evolved and diversified.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for Arctoidea, including Ursidae, Procyonidae, and Mustelidae. These terms are used to describe specific families within the Arctoidea superfamily.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for Arctoidea, as it is a specific term used to describe a group of carnivorous mammals.
The same root words
Arctoidea is derived from the Greek word “arktos,” which means bear, and “oeides,” which means resembling. Other words that share the same root words as Arctoidea include Arcturus, which is a bright star in the constellation Boötes, and Arctophile, which is a person who collects teddy bears.
Example Sentences
- The Arctoidea superfamily includes bears, raccoons, weasels, and other related species.
- The ancestors of modern-day bears and other related species evolved and diversified during the Eocene epoch, which was about 56 to 33.9 million years ago.
- The Arctoidea superfamily is characterized by their plantigrade feet and the presence of a baculum in males.
- The Ursidae, Procyonidae, and Mustelidae families are all part of the Arctoidea superfamily.