dasyurid
/ˌdæsiˈjʊrɪd/
noun
- Any member of the family Dasyuridae, which includes carnivorous marsupials such as quolls, Tasmanian devils, and dunnarts.
- The Tasmanian devil is one of the largest dasyurids still living today.
- Many dasyurids have a short lifespan compared to other mammals.
- Scientists study dasyurids to understand how marsupials evolved in Australia.
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of the family Dasyuridae of carnivorous marsupials.
- The researcher specialized in dasyurid behavior and ecology.
- The dasyurid family includes both tiny mouse-sized animals and the dog-sized Tasmanian devil.
- Dasyurid species are found only in Australia and New Guinea.