CYNOCEPHALIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Cynocephalidae is a scientific term referring to the family of mammals known as flying lemurs or colugos. The word "cynocephalidae" is derived from the Greek words "kyno" meaning "dog" and "kephale" meaning "head," reflecting the perceived resemblance between the snout of a colugo and that of a dog.
Flying lemurs are arboreal and nocturnal creatures found in Southeast Asia, particularly in tropical rainforests. Despite their name, they are not true lemurs nor do they possess the ability to fly; rather, they are adept gliders. Their physical adaptations, including a patagium or membrane between their elongated limbs and tail, allow them to glide through the forest canopy.
Members of the Cynocephalidae family typically have large, round eyes, elongated snouts, and a relatively smaller body size compared to other nocturnal mammals. They primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers, although some species may also consume insects.
Colugos are characterized by their remarkable gliding abilities; they are capable of traveling impressive distances of up to 70 meters or more between trees without the need for flight. This trait allows them to avoid predators and access resources efficiently in their arboreal environment.
The Cynocephalidae family consists of just two extant species: the Sunda flying lemur and the Philippine flying lemur. Despite their limited diversity, these unique animals are of significant scientific interest and play an important role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers and pollinators.
Common Misspellings for CYNOCEPHALIDAE
- xynocephalidae
- vynocephalidae
- fynocephalidae
- dynocephalidae
- ctnocephalidae
- cgnocephalidae
- chnocephalidae
- cunocephalidae
- c7nocephalidae
- c6nocephalidae
- cybocephalidae
- cymocephalidae
- cyjocephalidae
- cyhocephalidae
- cynicephalidae
- cynkcephalidae
- cynlcephalidae
- cynpcephalidae
- cyn0cephalidae
Etymology of CYNOCEPHALIDAE
The word "Cynocephalidae" is derived from Greek roots. The term is a combination of two Greek words: "kyno" (κῠνο) meaning "dog" and "kephalē" (κεφαλή) meaning "head". "Cynocephalidae" is the plural form of "Cynocephalus", which refers to a mythical creature with the head of a dog. This term is often used in zoology to describe a family of primates known as the colugos or flying lemurs, which have a unique appearance but are not actually canines.
Similar spelling words for CYNOCEPHALIDAE
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