MEADOW VOLE Meaning and
Definition
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A meadow vole, also known as Microtus pennsylvanicus, is a small rodent species that belongs to the family Cricetidae. It is commonly found in grassland habitats, including meadows, open fields, and marshes, throughout North America. The species has a stout body with a short tail, measuring around 2 to 5 inches long, and weighs between 1 to 2.5 ounces. Meadow voles have a thick and dense brown or reddish-brown fur that provides camouflage in their natural environment.
These herbivorous rodents are excellent diggers, creating intricate burrow systems in the ground that contain nesting chambers, food caches, and escape routes. Meadow voles have a high reproductive potential, with females being able to breed throughout the year and produce numerous litters, each containing 3 to 6 young. These voles primarily feed on grasses, sedges, and herbs, although they also consume some tree bark and seeds, especially during winter months when food availability is limited.
While meadow voles are important components of their ecosystems' food chain, acting as prey for various predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, and foxes, they can sometimes become agricultural pests. Their population surges can lead to damage in crops, particularly in grassy areas, by burrowing and feeding on vegetation. Additionally, meadow voles have been studied extensively as model organisms in laboratory settings due to their ability to regenerate damaged body tissues rapidly.
In conclusion, the meadow vole is a small, herbivorous rodent species found in grassland habitats across North America. They play crucial roles in ecosystems while occasionally causing minor agricultural disturbances.
Common Misspellings for MEADOW VOLE
- neadow vole
- keadow vole
- jeadow vole
- mwadow vole
- msadow vole
- mdadow vole
- mradow vole
- m4adow vole
- m3adow vole
- mezdow vole
- mesdow vole
- mewdow vole
- meqdow vole
- measow vole
- meaxow vole
- meacow vole
- meafow vole
- mearow vole
- meadiw vole
Etymology of MEADOW VOLE
The term "meadow vole" is a compound word.
"Meadow" originates from the Middle English "medwe", which can be traced back to the Old English word "mǣdwe". This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*mēdwō", meaning "meadow".
"Vole" is derived from the Middle English word "voul", which in turn comes from the Old Norse "vǫllr". The Old Norse word can be linked to the Proto-Germanic "*walthuz", meaning "field" or "plain".
Thus, the word "meadow vole" combines the word "meadow" to refer to the habitat of the vole and "vole", which is the name given to this particular species of small rodent.
