HYLOBATES Meaning and
Definition
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Hylobates is a noun that refers to a genus of primates in the family Hylobatidae, commonly known as the gibbons. It is derived from the Greek words "hylē" meaning "forest" and "bates" meaning "walker" or "locomotor." This taxonomic classification includes approximately nineteen species of small to medium-sized apes that are native to the forests of Southeast Asia.
Hylobates species are characterized by their highly agile and arboreal lifestyle, as they are perfectly adapted to swinging and brachiating through the treetops. They have long arms and fingers, enabling them to effortlessly move from branch to branch in search of food and shelter. They possess a unique anatomical adaptation, known as "brachiation," in which they swing using their arms alone, while their long, slender bodies efficiently navigate through dense foliage.
Gibbons are known for their impressive vocalizations, including complex songs, which play a crucial role in communicating within their social groups and defending territories. They form monogamous pairs, characterized by strong and lifelong bonds that contribute to their highly cooperative family units. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, leaves, and occasionally insects.
The study of hylobates encompasses the biological, ecological, and behavioral aspects of these primates. Researchers investigate their evolutionary history, genetic diversification, social structures, and conservation status to better understand the unique characteristics of this genus and their significance in the broader ecosystem.
Common Misspellings for HYLOBATES
- gylobates
- bylobates
- nylobates
- jylobates
- uylobates
- yylobates
- htlobates
- hglobates
- hhlobates
- hulobates
- h7lobates
- h6lobates
- hykobates
- hypobates
- hyoobates
- hylibates
- hylkbates
- hyllbates
- hylpbates
Etymology of HYLOBATES
The word "hylobates" comes from the Ancient Greek roots "hýle" meaning "forest" or "woodland" and "bátēs" meaning "a walker" or "a goer". This term was used by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Blumenbach when he first described the genus Hylobates in the late 18th century. Hylobates is the scientific name for a group of primates commonly known as gibbons or lesser apes.
Similar spelling word for HYLOBATES
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