How Do You Spell JAPANESE MACAQUE?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˌapənˈiːz mˈakak] (IPA)

The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a species of Old World monkey native to Japan. The pronunciation of "japanese macaque" is written as /dʒæpəniːz məˈkɑːk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "j" sound is represented by the letter "j", while "a" is pronounced as "ə" and "e" as "iː". The "s" sound in "japanese" is represented by the letter "s", while "macaque" uses the letter "c" to represent the "k" sound.

JAPANESE MACAQUE Meaning and Definition

1. The Japanese macaque, scientifically known as Macaca fuscata, is a species of monkey that primarily inhabits the forests and mountains of Japan. Also referred to as the snow monkey due to its ability to tolerate extremely cold temperatures, it is one of the most well-known and researched primates in the world.

   Physically, Japanese macaques typically have a brown-gray fur coat that is lighter on the underside. They have a stout body with a short tail, a round face, and a prominent muzzle. On average, they measure around 50 to 60 centimeters in length and weigh between 10 and 14 kilograms.

   Japanese macaques are highly social animals, living in close-knit groups known as troops that can consist of 10 to 100 individuals. These troops are hierarchical in nature, with a dominant alpha male leading the group.

   One of the distinguishing features of the Japanese macaque is its behavior of bathing in hot springs during chilly winters, which has become an iconic trait of the species. This unique adaptation of utilizing thermal springs for warmth has been observed in specific populations of macaques in certain regions of Japan.

   The diet of the Japanese macaque is highly varied, consisting of a wide range of foods including fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, and even insects or small vertebrates. They have flexible feeding tendencies and can adapt to various food sources depending on the season and their habitat.

   Due to their captivating appearance, intriguing behavior, and ecological importance, Japanese macaques have become a popular subject of study both in the field of primatology and biology in general.

Etymology of JAPANESE MACAQUE

The word Japanese in Japanese macaque refers to the geographical origin of this species of macaque, native to Japan. It signifies that they are found specifically in Japan.

The term macaque originates from the Portuguese word macaco, which was used to refer to monkeys in general. The Portuguese encountered macaques during their exploration and colonization efforts, and the term gained popularity as a general name for various species of monkeys. This term was then adopted into English and other languages.

Overall, the etymology of Japanese macaque stems from the geographical reference to Japan and the broader term for monkeys, which is macaque.