the tiger vs the tigers

Question

It was my understanding that "the + singular" is used to refer to a type of animals in formal contexts. e.g.)

- The dolphin is an intelligent animal.
- The panda is becoming an increasingly rare animal.

but today I found a sentence that says,

- The owls have large eyes and soft plumage.

Does "The owls" in the sentence mean several kinds of owls? Can I say, "The dolphins are intelligent animals" in any context?

Thank you,
M

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

mitsuwao23Does "The owls" in the sentence mean several kinds of owls?

Yes, that is right. It is speaking of all the Strigidae.

mitsuwao23Can I say, "The dolphins are intelligent animals" in any context?

Any context? Probably not, but in most contexts, yes.

Mitsuo23 · Answer

Mister MicawberStrigidae.

Thank you for letting me know this word.

Mister MicawberAny context? Probably not, but in most contexts, yes.

I said "any" because I was expecting you would say "No" since there's only one kind of dolphin. (isn't it?)

The difference between, I mean when to use, "Dolphins are intelligent animals" and "The dolphin is a intelligent animal" is clear to me but in what kind of context should I use "The dolphins are.." instead of "The dolphin is.."?

Thank you for your help,
M

Mister Micawber · Answer

mitsuwao23there's only one kind of dolphin. (isn't it?)

Nope. There are about 40 species.

mitsuwao23what kind of context should I use "The dolphins are.." instead of "The dolphin is.."?

As far as I'm concerned, unless context makes the choice more specific, then 'the dolphin is' is just a bit more formal or clinical than 'dolphins are'.

Mitsuo23 · Answer

OK, I appreciate your help!
M

the tiger vs the tigers

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