What is the literal meaning of the genus name *Odobenus* for the walrus?
Answer
Tooth walker
The genus name *Odobenus* is constructed from two Greek roots: *odous*, meaning 'teeth,' and *baino*, meaning 'walk.' When combined, this translates literally to 'tooth walker.' This nomenclature is a direct and descriptive reference to the animal's observable behavior of using its prominent tusks, which are actually elongated upper canines, to effectively haul or pull its substantial body mass out of the marine environment onto solid surfaces like ice floes or rocks.
Related Questions
What is the literal meaning of the genus name *Odobenus* for the walrus?For what purpose are the prominent tusks of *Odobenus rosmarus* not used according to functional descriptions?Why do many modern researchers argue against grouping *Odobenidae* within *Phocidae* or *Otariidae*?Which locomotion characteristic shared with *Otariidae* enables the walrus to move effectively on land?How does the average weight of an Atlantic walrus male (*O. r. rosmarus*) compare to a Pacific walrus male (*O. r. divergens*)?What anatomical feature is primarily responsible for helping the walrus locate and extract prey from the seabed?What is the global conservation status assigned to the walrus by the IUCN Red List?Molecular data suggests the Pinnipedia parvorder descended from an ancestor related to which modern land mammal group?Belonging to the Class *Mammalia*, what are three general traits that characterize the walrus as part of this group?Why is the taxonomic status of the Laptev walrus (*Odobenus rosmarus laptevi*) currently subject to debate?