Bassariscidae (Noun)
Meaning
In some classifications considered a separate family.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- In some classifications the ringtail is considered a part of the family Bassariscidae, but classifications vary with many placing it in the raccoon family.
- Coatis and olingos were long believed to be part of the raccoon family, but they also sometimes get classified in Procyonidae with some placing ringtails in the Bassariscidae.
- Taxonomists may also position olingos and the coatis' position within the superfamily Musteloidea, considering the relation with family Bassariscidae.
- Ringtails have historically been difficult to categorize and are sometimes placed within the family Procyonidae or assigned to the distinct family Bassariscidae.
- Although there is debate in classification some taxonomists consider the family Bassariscidae as separate from the Procyonidae due to distinct morphological differences and ringtail characteristics.