How Do You Spell OCHOTONA PRINCEPS?

1. Ochotona princeps, commonly known as the American pika, is a small mammal belonging to the Ochotonidae family and the Order Lagomorpha. Primarily found in the mountainous regions of western North America, the American pika is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.

   Physically, Ochotona princeps typically weighs between 110-170 grams, with a length of about 15-23 centimeters, including its short tail. It has thick fur that offers insulation against cold temperatures in its high-altitude habitats. The American pika has round, compact bodies with short legs and large ears, which aid in thermoregulation and detecting predators.

   This species of pika is herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, sedges, and various flowering plants. It is active during the day, diligently gathering and storing vegetation to sustain itself through harsh winters when food becomes scarce. Ochotona princeps is highly territorial, establishing small territories known as haypiles, where they store their food and rear their young.

   Due to its sensitivity to elevated temperatures, the American pika is considered a bioindicator species for climate change. As temperatures rise, its habitat becomes increasingly limited, potentially leading to population declines. Additionally, the American pika plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a prey species for larger predators, and its burrowing behavior contributes to ecosystem engineering.

   Conservation efforts are underway to protect Ochotona princeps and its alpine habitat, with a focus on preserving its fragile environments and addressing climate change impacts that pose a threat to its survival.

Common Misspellings for OCHOTONA PRINCEPS

The word "Ochotona princeps" is a scientific name given to a particular species of small mammal known as the American pika.

The term "Ochotona" is derived from the Mongolian word "o-ho-ta-n", which refers to a "large-eared marmot". The name was chosen due to the physical resemblance between the American pika and the Mongolian marmots.

The species name "princeps" is a Latin word meaning "chief" or "principal", and it was given to signify the uniqueness and importance of this species among pikas.

So, the etymology of "Ochotona princeps" essentially reflects the origin of its genus name in Mongolian and its species name in Latin.