colobus
Definition
Noun 1. A type of African monkey: A colobus is an arboreal (tree-dwelling) monkey native to the forests of western and central Africa. It is known for its long, silky fur and its distinctive lack of, or greatly reduced, thumbs.
Usage and Examples
- The colobus is easily identified by its striking black-and-white coat.
- Researchers are studying the impact of deforestation on the black-and-white colobus population.
- Unlike many other primates, the colobus has a reduced thumb, which is an adaptation for its leaping locomotion.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- The name "colobus" is derived from a Greek word meaning "mutilated," referring to their absent or vestigial thumbs.
- Colobus monkeys are primarily leaf-eaters (folivores) and have complex, multi-chambered stomachs to digest their food, similar to cows.
Variants and Related Words
- Colobine (adj/noun): Pertaining to or a member of the subfamily Colobinae, which includes colobus monkeys and langurs. These monkeys are characterized by their sacculated stomachs for fermenting plant material.
- The colobine monkeys have a specialized digestive system.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Leaf-monkey: A general term for monkeys that primarily eat leaves, including colobus monkeys and langurs.
- Guereza: A common name for a specific type of black-and-white colobus ().
Different Meanings
- The word "colobus" refers specifically to monkeys of the genus (black-and-white colobus) and the related genera (red colobus) and (olive colobus). It does not have other common meanings outside of zoology.
Noun
-
arboreal monkey of western and central Africa with long silky fur and reduced thumbs
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