didelphis marsupialis

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Word: Didelphis marsupialis

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Didelphis marsupialis is the scientific name for a type of opossum, which is a small, furry animal found in the eastern United States. This opossum is known for eating a variety of foods (it is omnivorous), and it has a unique behavior where it pretends to be dead when it feels threatened. In some places, people even eat it as food. This species is often considered the same as the crab-eating opossum found in South America.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You would use "Didelphis marsupialis" when discussing wildlife, animal behavior, or in a scientific context. It is more commonly referred to simply as "opossum" in everyday conversation.
• Example Sentence: "The didelphis marsupialis is often seen scavenging for food at night in the woods."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific or ecological discussions, you might describe its role in the ecosystem or its behaviors in more detail. For instance: - "The didelphis marsupialis plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations in its habitat."

Word Variants:

• Common Name: Opossum
• Plural Form: Didelphis marsupialis (the same for plural in scientific terms) or opossums

Different Meanings:

While "Didelphis marsupialis" specifically refers to this type of opossum, the term "opossum" can refer to other species within the same family.

Synonyms:

• Opossum (common name)
• Virginia opossum (another common name)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Didelphis marsupialis," but the behavior of "playing dead" can be used as an idiom in English. For example, saying someone is "playing dead" can mean they are avoiding a situation or not responding when they should.

Summary:

Didelphis marsupialis is a fascinating animal that exhibits unique behaviors. While it is primarily known as the opossum, its scientific name is used in more formal discussions about biology or ecology.

Academic

Noun

1. omnivorous opossum of the eastern United States; noted for feigning death when in danger; esteemed as food in some areas; considered same species as the crab-eating opossum of South America

Synonyms

• common opossum
• Didelphis virginiana
• Didelphis marsupialis