CALLITRICHINAE Meaning and
Definition
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Callitrichinae refers to a subfamily of New World monkeys, commonly known as marmosets and tamarins. These small primates are native to Central and South America, and they are characterized by their unique physical and behavioral traits. Marmosets and tamarins are part of the family Callitrichidae, which also includes the pygmy marmoset.
These primates are typically small in size, ranging from about 13 to 33 centimeters (5 to 13 inches) in length, excluding the tail. They have long claws and specialized teeth that allow them to extract gum and sap from trees, which forms a significant part of their diet. Marmosets and tamarins also consume fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates.
What sets Callitrichinae apart from other primates is their social structure. They exhibit cooperative breeding, with the dominant pair being the only ones to reproduce, while other members of the group assist in raising the offspring. This cooperative breeding system promotes strong family bonds and ensures the survival of the young.
Callitrichinae species are arboreal, dwelling primarily in tropical forests and dense vegetation. They are highly agile and possess adaptations such as claw-like nails and specialized fingertips to aid in gripping branches and climbing trees.
These small primates are known for their distinct appearance, characterized by their manes or crests of hair, and their unique vocalizations, which they use for communication and territorial defense.
In summary, Callitrichinae is a subfamily of New World monkeys that includes marmosets and tamarins. They are small, arboreal primates known for their cooperative breeding system, specialized teeth, and agile climbing abilities.
Common Misspellings for CALLITRICHINAE
- calitrichidae
- callitrichidae
- xallitrichinae
- vallitrichinae
- fallitrichinae
- dallitrichinae
- czllitrichinae
- csllitrichinae
- cwllitrichinae
- cqllitrichinae
- caklitrichinae
- caplitrichinae
- caolitrichinae
- calkitrichinae
- calpitrichinae
- caloitrichinae
- callutrichinae
- calljtrichinae
- callktrichinae
- callotrichinae
Etymology of CALLITRICHINAE
The word "Callitrichinae" is derived from a combination of Greek and Latin roots.
The Greek word "καλλιτρίχης" (kallitrikhēs) means "beautiful-haired" or "having beautiful hair". This is a combination of the root "καλός" (kalos) meaning "beautiful" and "θρίξ" (thrix) meaning "hair".
The Latin suffix "-inae" is commonly used in taxonomy to denote a subfamily. It indicates that Callitrichinae is a subfamily within the family Callitrichidae.
Therefore, the word "Callitrichinae" can be understood as "the subfamily with beautiful-haired animals". It specifically refers to a subfamily of New World monkeys that includes tamarins and marmosets characterized by their beautiful fur.
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