CALLITRICHIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Callitrichidae is a family of New World primates commonly known as marmosets and tamarins. They are small in size, arboreal, and native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Marmosets and tamarins have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from other primates. They possess relatively large brains compared to their body size, claw-like nails, and specialized teeth adaptations, which enable them to consume plant exudates such as tree sap and gum.
These primates are highly social animals, usually living in small groups consisting of an adult breeding pair and their offspring. They exhibit cooperative breeding, where other members of the group help in raising the young. Marmosets and tamarins have a unique reproductive strategy, giving birth to twins or occasionally triplets.
Their diet consists of a wide variety of food sources such as fruits, insects, nectar, flowers, and small vertebrates. They have a specialized adaptation in their digestive system, allowing them to efficiently extract nutrients from gum exudates.
Due to their fascinating characteristics and size, marmosets and tamarins are often kept as exotic pets or exhibit animals in zoos. However, their naturally complex social structure, specialized dietary needs, and susceptibility to disease make them challenging to care for in captivity. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these primates, as they face threats including habitat loss, wildlife trade, and fragmentation.
Common Misspellings for CALLITRICHIDAE
- xallitrichidae
- vallitrichidae
- fallitrichidae
- dallitrichidae
- czllitrichidae
- csllitrichidae
- cwllitrichidae
- cqllitrichidae
- caklitrichidae
- caplitrichidae
- caolitrichidae
- calkitrichidae
- calpitrichidae
- caloitrichidae
- callutrichidae
- calljtrichidae
- callktrichidae
- callotrichidae
- call9trichidae
- call8trichidae
Etymology of CALLITRICHIDAE
The word "Callitrichidae" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two Greek words: "kalos", meaning beautiful, and "trichos", meaning hair. The suffix "-idae" is a Latinized form used in taxonomy to denote a family. Therefore, "Callitrichidae" can be translated as "beautiful-haired family". This word is used to classify a family of New World monkeys that includes marmosets and tamarins known for their beautiful, long, and silky hair.
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