DERMOPTERAN Meaning and
Definition
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Dermopteran, also known as a colugo or a flying lemur, refers to a group of gliding mammals belonging to the order Dermoptera. This order consists of two extant species, known as the Sunda colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) and the Philippine colugo (Cynocephalus volans), both found in Southeast Asia.
Dermopterans are characterized by their unique adaptations for gliding. They have a patagium, a membrane of loose skin that extends between their forelimbs and hindlimbs, enabling them to glide effortlessly through the treetops. The patagium is supported by elongated finger bones and is capable of great extension, allowing them to cover significant distances. Unlike true lemurs, colugos do not possess the ability to fly.
In terms of appearance, dermopterans have a relatively small head with large, round eyes, providing excellent nocturnal vision. They have a compact body, covered in a soft, dense fur that comes in various shades of gray or brown, enabling effective camouflage among the trees. These arboreal creatures have strong gripping hands and feet, enabling them to cling onto tree trunks and branches.
Dermopterans primarily feed on leaves, shoots, and flowers. They have specialized digestive systems with multiple-chambered stomachs to aid in the fermentation of plant matter. They are predominantly solitary animals and are known for being nocturnal, spending their days sleeping high up in tree hollows or crevices.
Overall, the dermopteran is a unique mammal known for its gliding abilities, adaptations for an arboreal lifestyle, and specialized diet.
Common Misspellings for DERMOPTERAN
- sermopteran
- xermopteran
- cermopteran
- fermopteran
- rermopteran
- eermopteran
- dwrmopteran
- dsrmopteran
- ddrmopteran
- drrmopteran
- d4rmopteran
- d3rmopteran
- deemopteran
- dedmopteran
- defmopteran
- detmopteran
- de5mopteran
- de4mopteran
- dernopteran
Etymology of DERMOPTERAN
The word "Dermopteran" is derived from two Greek roots: "derma" meaning "skin" and "ptera" meaning "wings". This combination reflects the unique characteristics of the order Dermoptera, commonly known as colugos or flying lemurs. Although they are not true lemurs and cannot fly as birds do, colugos possess a patagium, a large, thin membrane of skin stretching between their limbs that allows them to glide through the air. Hence, the term "Dermopteran" translates to "skin-winged" in reference to these mammals' ability to glide using their skin.
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