Mephitinae (Noun)
Meaning
Subdivision not used in some classifications: skunks.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The mephitinae subfamily includes several species of skunks that are native to North America.
- Some taxonomists group skunks in the mephitinae subfamily, while others do not recognize this classification.
- The mephitinae subfamily is characterized by the presence of a strong-smelling secretion in the anal glands of its members.
- In some classifications, the mephitinae subfamily is not used, and skunks are instead grouped in the mustelidae family.
- Skunks in the mephitinae subfamily are generally solitary animals and have a highly developed sense of smell.