Definition

Noun: 1. A large primate of West Africa: Mandrillus sphinx is the scientific name for the mandrill, a species of Old World monkey. It is characterized by its extremely colorful face and hindquarters, which are most vivid in dominant adult males.

Usage Notes

• This term is primarily used in formal, scientific, or zoological contexts. In everyday language, the common name "mandrill" is almost always used instead.
• It is a singular noun. The standard plural form is (the same as the singular) when referring to the species taxonomically. In general description, you can say "mandrills" or "mandrill monkeys."

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on the social structure of Mandrillus sphinx in Gabon.
  • Mandrillus sphinx is one of the world's most colorful mammals.
• Descriptive Context:
  • We saw a male Mandrillus sphinx, its blue and red face unmistakable, sitting at the edge of the clearing.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Classification: The name follows binomial nomenclature. is the genus, and is the specific epithet. It is always written in italics, with the genus name capitalized.
• In Conservation: The term is used in official documents regarding species protection.
  • The IUCN Red List classifies Mandrillus sphinx as Vulnerable.

Variants and Related Words

• Mandrill (n): The common English name for .
• Drill (n): () A closely related but less colorful primate species in the same genus.
• Baboon (n): A more general term for several types of large, terrestrial monkeys, including mandrills. is sometimes called a "forest baboon."

Synonyms

• Mandrill (This is the direct and most common synonym in non-scientific English.)

Related Phrases

• Old World monkey: The broader biological family (Cercopithecidae) to which belongs.
• Sexual dimorphism: A key feature of this species, referring to the significant size and color difference between males and females.

Noun

1. baboon of west Africa with a bright red and blue muzzle and blue hindquarters