How Do You Spell COLLARED PIKA?

1. Collared Pika: (noun)

   The collared pika, scientifically known as Ochotona collaris, is a small herbivorous mammal belonging to the family Ochotonidae. It is native to the high-altitude regions of North America, specifically found in the mountainous areas of Alaska, Canada, and certain parts of the Northwestern United States.

   This small, mouse-like creature measures around six to eight inches in length and weighs around 5 to 7 ounces. It is easily identifiable by its dense fur, which varies in color from rusty brown to grayish-brown, along with a distinctive, well-defined collar of white fur around its neck—a characteristic that gives the species its common name.

   Collared pikas predominantly inhabit rocky alpine and subalpine habitats, such as mountain meadows, talus slopes, and rocky outcrops. They are diurnal and highly adapted to life in the challenging alpine environment. These mammals are herbivores, feeding primarily on various plant materials, including grasses, leaves, stems, and flowers. They are known for their instinct to gather large quantities of vegetation during the summer months and stockpile it, building haypiles or caches, to ensure a food supply during the long winter period.

   Collared pikas are known for their high-pitched vocalizations, which serve as effective communication signals among individuals or to alert others of potential danger. They also exhibit territorial behavior, defending their rocky territories from intruders.

   Due to their specific habitat requirements and sensitivity to temperature changes, collared pikas are considered to be an important bioindicator species for monitoring the effects of climate change in mountainous ecosystems.

Common Misspellings for COLLARED PIKA

The etymology of the term "Collared Pika" can be understood by examining the origins of each word in the phrase.

1. "Pika": The word "pika" comes from the Tungusic languages, particularly the Siberian Evenki language. In these languages, "pika" refers to a small, furry mammal. This term was adopted into English to designate a group of small, diurnal mammals in the genus Ochotona, which are distantly related to rabbits and hares.

2. "Collared": The adjective "collared" is derived from the noun "collar". In this context, it refers to a band or marking around the neck of an animal, resembling a collar. The term is used to describe the distinctive marking present on the neck or upper body of the Collared Pika.