Erethizontidae

/ˌɛrəˌθɪzɑnˈtaɪdi/ noun

Definition

The family of rodents that includes all porcupines found in the New World (Americas).

Etymology

From the genus name 'Erethizon' plus the taxonomic suffix '-idae' used to denote animal families. This follows Carl Linnaeus's system of biological classification established in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

The Erethizontidae family includes the tree porcupine, which can climb and has a prehensile tail—a surprising adaptation that allows some porcupines to be surprisingly acrobatic despite their prickly appearance.

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