Catarrhinian is an adjective that refers to a specific group of primates belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, which includes Old World monkeys. Derived from the Greek words "katarrhinos" meaning "downward-nose," and "ian" indicating "pertaining to," catarrhinian describes the distinctive nasal arrangement of these primates.
Characterized by a narrow nasal septum and downward-facing nostrils, catarrhinians differ from their relatives in the family Colobidae, which have a broader nasal septum and nostrils facing outward. This distinct nasal arrangement allows catarrhinians to inhabit diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountains across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Catarrhinians are further classified into two subfamilies: Colobinae and Cercopithecinae. Colobinae include leaf-eating monkeys like langurs and colobus monkeys, while Cercopithecinae encompass a broad range of omnivorous and frugivorous monkeys such as baboons, macaques, and guenons. With varied body sizes, lengths of tails, and colorations, catarrhinians display significant inter-species differences.
These primates have a well-developed brain, complex social structures, and agile locomotion. They are known for their ability to use tools, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and display intricate communication patterns. Catarrhinians have played a crucial role in research related to primate evolution, physiology, behavior, and conservation.
Overall, the term catarrhinian classifies a diverse group of monkeys sharing specific nasal characteristics, representing a significant part of the natural world and contributing significantly to our understanding of primate biology.
