How Do You Spell ATELES PANISCUS?

Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪtə͡lz pˈanɪskəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Ateles paniscus" may seem daunting at first, but it becomes more manageable with the help of IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, Ateles, is pronounced /əˈtiliːz/ with the stress on the second syllable. The second word, paniscus, is pronounced /pəˈnaɪskəs/ with the stress on the first syllable. Ateles paniscus is a species of spider monkey found in Central and South America. Proper attention to spelling and pronunciation helps in communication and appreciation of biological diversity.

ATELES PANISCUS Meaning and Definition

1. Ateles paniscus, also commonly known as the black-faced spider monkey, is a species of highly agile New World monkey native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The spider monkey belongs to the genus Ateles, which is characterized by its spider-like limbs and prehensile tail, providing exceptional agility and adaptability within its arboreal habitat.

   The black-faced spider monkey is distinguished by its predominantly black fur, with a few distinct white or pale patches on its face. Its body is slender and long, averaging around 40 to 63 centimeters in length, excluding the tail, which can reach up to 85 centimeters. This primate primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, and seeds, with occasional consumption of leaves, flowers, and even insects.

   Ateles paniscus is known for its highly social nature, forming large groups of up to 30 individuals, typically comprised of females and their offspring. Their complex social structure is typically organized around a dominant breeding female. These spider monkeys communicate through various vocalizations, including high-pitched calls and shrieks, as well as displays of body movements and facial expressions.

   Despite being a resourceful and adaptable species, the black-faced spider monkey faces numerous threats, mainly due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and human activities like logging and agriculture. Additionally, they are targeted by illegal wildlife trade. Consequently, Ateles paniscus is considered endangered and is protected by strict conservation measures to ensure its survival in its natural habitat.

Etymology of ATELES PANISCUS

The word "Ateles paniscus" refers to the scientific name of a monkey species known as the black spider monkey. The etymology of this term is as follows:

1. Ateles: The genus name "Ateles" is derived from the Greek words "a" (without) and "telos" (end or completion). It was given to this genus of monkeys since they lack a thumb, which distinguishes them from other monkeys.

2. Paniscus: The species name "paniscus" is derived from the Latin word "paniscus", which means "little bread". This name was given because the black spider monkeys have a round face that resembles a round loaf of bread.

Therefore, the scientific name "Ateles paniscus" refers to the black spider monkey's genus without a thumb and its species with a round face resembling bread.