Genus Cypraea (Noun)
Meaning
Type genus of the family Cypraeidae: the typical cowries.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The genus Cypraea consists of species of large sea snails with beautifully colored and highly valued shells, popularly known as cowries.
- Species in the genus Cypraea can grow quite large compared to other species in the family Cypraeidae.
- Genus Cypraea species shells were often used in many prehistoric and ancient cultures for ornaments, rituals, or currency.
- Shell shapes of species in the genus Cypraea tend to vary but the edges often resemble teeth on the anterior margin.
- Due to extensive harvesting and demand, species within the genus Cypraea have suffered decline and remain largely over-collected in certain parts of the world.