Xenopus

Term: Xenopus

Literally meaning: “strange foot ”

Origin: Anc Greek

ξένος/xenos(=strange, foreigner)

πους/pus(=foot)

Coined/History

Species of Xenopus such as X. laevis and X. tropicalis were widely used in cloning research and embryology laboratories because these frogs are among the closet relatives of man to lack egg shells.  The name derived from its wedded, five-toed short claws on each hind foot.  

Definition

Xenopus is a genus of aquatic frogs native to Sub-Saharan Africa.