What Greek words form the root of the genus name Chaetodon?
Answer
chaite ("bristle") and odous ("tooth")
The scientific genus name, Chaetodon, is constructed from two specific Greek roots. The first component, 'chaite,' translates to 'bristle' or 'hair,' and the second component, 'odous,' means 'tooth.' This combination reflects a key physical characteristic observed across many fish belonging to this group, namely the presence of fine, bristle-like teeth that are visible upon detailed physical inspection. This etymological choice provides a fundamental clue regarding the morphology of the members within this large genus.

Related Questions
What Greek words form the root of the genus name Chaetodon?What structural feature defines the Class Actinopterygii for C. daedalma?What does the specific epithet daedalma translate to, describing C. daedalma?What body shape characterizes members of the Family Chaetodontidae?Which names are considered junior synonyms for Chaetodon daedalma?What does placement in Kingdom Animalia signify for C. daedalma?How extensive is the genus Chaetodon within its family?What key feature places C. daedalma within Phylum Chordata?To what specific area is the Wrought Iron Butterflyfish known to occur?What is the unique NCBI Taxonomy ID assigned to Chaetodon daedalma?