ATELES MARGINATUS Meaning and
Definition
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Ateles marginatus, commonly known as the Peruvian spider monkey, is a species of New World monkey native to Peru, specifically found in the Amazon rainforest. It belongs to the family Atelidae and the genus Ateles, which comprises the spider monkeys.
The Peruvian spider monkey is recognized for its distinctive appearance and behavior. It is known as a medium to large-sized primate with long limbs, a slender body, and a prehensile tail that acts as an extra hand for climbing and swinging among the trees. The species has a fur color that ranges from dark brown to black, while its face is usually hairless and characterized by distinguished facial patterns.
These monkeys are highly arboreal and spend the majority of their lives in the tree canopy. They are skilled climbers, utilizing their long limbs and unique limbs-tail coordination to move efficiently through the dense rainforest vegetation. Additionally, their prehensile tail plays a crucial role in capturing and manipulating objects, making them extremely agile and nimble.
The diet of Ateles marginatus primarily consists of fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects. With their specialized dentition, they are adapted to efficiently extract nutrients from these plant sources. Considered social animals, they live in multi-male, multi-female groups, where communication is achieved through various vocalizations and body movements.
Unfortunately, the population of Ateles marginatus has been significantly impacted by deforestation and habitat loss. As a result, they are currently classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Various conservation efforts are underway to protect their natural habitats and ensure the survival and well-being of this remarkable primate species.
Etymology of ATELES MARGINATUS
The word "Ateles marginatus" is a scientific name given to a species of spider monkey native to South America. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Ateles: The genus name "Ateles" comes from ancient Greek. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "without" or "lacking", and "teles" meaning "end" or "completion". Therefore, "Ateles" can be interpreted as "imperfect" or "incomplete", highlighting one characteristic of spider monkeys, which have no thumbs.
2. Marginatus: The specific epithet "marginatus" is a Latin word meaning "margin" or "bordered". It refers to the distinctive black border or margin often present on the forehead of spider monkeys, which is a characteristic trait of this species.
