Leiotrichous is a term used in biology to describe the arrangement or condition of having smooth or straight hair or feathers. The word is derived from the Greek words "leios," meaning smooth, and "thrix," meaning hair.
In zoology, leiotrichous refers to animals, particularly mammals and birds, that have hair or feathers that are sleek and have a flat appearance. This feature does not involve any specific texture or particular curliness but rather denotes a lack of waviness or frizziness in the hair or feathers.
For example, leiotrichous mammals include many species such as horses, dogs, cats, and most primates, where the hair is usually straight, evenly distributed, and lies relatively flat against the body. Conversely, animals with curly or frizzy hair, such as sheepdogs or certain breeds of sheep, would not be considered leiotrichous.
In avian biology, leiotrichous feathers are those that have a smooth and straight surface, without any pronounced barbs or barbules. This characteristic is often observed in birds of prey or water birds, where a sleek and streamlined plumage allows for more efficient flight or swimming. Birds with any kind of curl, such as the curly feathers of turkeys or crests of cockatoos, would not be classified as leiotrichous.
Overall, leiotrichous describes the straight and smooth nature of hair or feathers, suggesting a lack of waviness or frizziness in their appearance.
