australian ovine breed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "australian ovine breed crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
MERINO: A breed of sheep highly prized for its soft and fine wool, originating from Spain but extensively developed in Australia for its superior fleece quality.
More About "australian ovine breed crossword clue"
The clue "australian ovine breed" most commonly points to the Merino. This iconic sheep breed is world-renowned for its exceptionally fine and soft wool, making it a staple in high-quality textile production. While Merinos originated in Spain, it was in Australia during the 19th century that the breed underwent significant development and refinement.
Australian breeders, through meticulous selective breeding, transformed the Merino into the dominant wool-producing sheep globally, perfectly adapted to the varied Australian landscapes. Today, Australia remains the largest producer of fine Merino wool, with the breed being integral to the nation's agricultural history and economy. Understanding the origin and key characteristics of breeds like the Merino can often provide the crucial insight needed for similar crossword challenges.
The term 'ovine' itself is a common crossword device. It's the adjective referring to sheep, much like 'bovine' refers to cattle or 'canine' to dogs. Recognizing these specific terms is a key skill for advanced crossword solvers, as they often appear in clues to avoid more obvious synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Specifics: Break down clues like "australian ovine breed" into components. 'Australian' points to geography, 'ovine' to type (sheep), and 'breed' to a specific variety. This helps narrow down possibilities.
- Consider Common Associations: For geographical clues, think about the most famous or historically significant elements. Australia and sheep often bring Merino to mind due to its prominence.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Always use letters from solved intersecting words to fill in blanks for challenging clues. Even one letter can often eliminate many incorrect possibilities.
- Look for Synonyms and Specific Terms: Crossword constructors love to use less common synonyms or scientific terms (like 'ovine' instead of 'sheep'). Expand your vocabulary to include these.
- Take a Break: If you're stuck, step away from the puzzle for a while. A fresh perspective can often reveal answers you overlooked.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ovine breed' mean in a crossword clue?
An 'ovine breed' refers to a type of sheep. 'Ovine' is the adjective related to sheep, often used in scientific or formal contexts, common in crossword puzzles to make clues slightly more challenging than simply 'sheep breed'.
Why is the Merino sheep particularly associated with Australia?
While Merino sheep originated in Spain, Australia became pivotal in their development during the 19th century. Australian breeders significantly refined the breed, enhancing its wool quality and quantity through selective breeding, making Australia the world's leading producer of fine Merino wool and a global benchmark for the breed.
Are there other Australian sheep breeds that might fit this clue?
While Merino is by far the most common answer due to its global recognition and economic importance, other Australian sheep breeds exist like the Poll Dorset (known for meat production) or Corriedale (dual-purpose). However, for a general 'australian ovine breed' clue without specific letter counts, Merino is almost always the intended solution due to its widespread recognition and historical significance in Australia.