catarrhine
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to a specific group of primates: Describes primates belonging to the parvorder Catarrhini, characterized by having nostrils that are close together and open downward. This group includes Old World monkeys (e.g., baboons, macaques) and apes (including humans).
Noun:
- A primate of the parvorder Catarrhini: A member of this group, native to Africa, Arabia, or Asia, possessing nonprehensile tails (tails not used for grasping) and closely spaced, downward-facing nostrils.
Examples
Adjective:
- The catarrhine primates, such as chimpanzees and gorillas, share a common ancestor with humans.
- A key catarrhine feature is the structure of the nasal cavity.
Noun:
- Mandrills and colobus monkeys are both catarrhines.
- The study compared the social structures of various catarrhines.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic/biological contexts: The term is primarily used in scientific, zoological, or anthropological writing to classify primates.
- The fossil record provides evidence for the divergence of catarrhines and platyrrhines (New World monkeys).
Variants and Related Words
- Catarrhini (n): The scientific name for the parvorder that includes catarrhine primates.
- Platyrrhine (adj/n): The contrasting term for New World monkeys, which have nostrils that are farther apart and open sideways.
Synonyms
- Old World monkey (Note: This is a close synonym for the noun form when referring specifically to monkeys, but "catarrhine" is a broader term that also includes apes.)
- Anthropoid (in broader taxonomic contexts, though this term can also include New World monkeys.)
Antonyms
- Platyrrhine: Referring to New World monkeys with wide, sideways-facing nostrils.
Adjective
- of or related to Old World monkeys that have nostrils together and opening downward
Noun
- of Africa or Arabia or Asia; having nonprehensile tails and nostrils close together