ATELES FUSCICEPS Meaning and
Definition
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Ateles fusciceps is a species of primate commonly known as the brown-headed spider monkey. Belonging to the genus Ateles, it is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. This highly arboreal and diurnal primate is characterized by its long limbs and prehensile tail, which it uses effortlessly to maneuver through the tree canopy.
The brown-headed spider monkey typically has a slender body covered in coarse fur, often brown in coloration, which gives rise to its common name. It possesses a distinctively hairless, black face framed by white sideburns, which are considered distinguishing features of the species. Adults usually measure between 35 and 58 centimeters in body length, with males generally being larger than females.
These monkeys are herbivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, leaves, seeds, and occasionally insects. They live in social groups consisting of multiple males, females, and their offspring. Within these groups, they exhibit a high degree of cooperation and social bonding.
The brown-headed spider monkey is currently listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and illegal wildlife trafficking. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect their remaining populations and promote sustainable practices to prevent their further decline. These monkeys play a vital role in seed dispersal and maintaining the ecosystem's balance within their habitat.
Etymology of ATELES FUSCICEPS
The word "Ateles fusciceps" is composed of two parts: "Ateles" and "fusciceps".
The term "Ateles" has its roots in Greek, derived from "a-" meaning "without" and "telos" meaning "end" or "completion". Therefore, "Ateles" can be translated as "incomplete" or "imperfect". It was used to describe certain primates' lack of thumbs, referring to the members of the genus Ateles, commonly known as spider monkeys.
On the other hand, "fusciceps" is a combination of the Latin words "fuscus" meaning "dark" or "swarthy", and "ceps" meaning "head". Thus, "fusciceps" can be translated as "dark-headed".
