Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic genus of primates: "genus Macaca" refers to a biological classification (genus) within the family Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys). This genus includes species commonly known as macaques, such as the rhesus monkey.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Macaca" is a formal scientific term used in biological and zoological contexts. It is always capitalized and often italicized in academic writing to denote its status as a Latin genus name.
• In everyday language, the common names for animals in this genus (e.g., macaque, rhesus monkey) are used instead of the taxonomic term.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on social behaviors within the genus Macaca.
  • Genus Macaca is one of the most widespread primate genera in Asia.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to specify a level of biological classification. For example: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Primates, Family: Cercopithecidae, Genus: Macaca.
• In Research: Used to group species for comparative studies, e.g., "Comparative genomics across the genus reveals significant insights."

Variants and Related Words

• Macaque (n): The common name for any monkey belonging to the genus .
  • The crab-eating macaque is a well-known species.
• Rhesus monkey (n): A specific species () within the genus, famous for its use in medical research.
  • The rhesus monkey is often studied in laboratories.

Synonyms

• Macaques: This is the direct common name equivalent for the members of this genus.
• Old World monkeys (broad category): While this is a larger group (family Cercopithecidae), it is sometimes used in a broader sense that includes genus .

Related Phrases

• Macaca species: A phrase used to refer to the individual types within the genus.
  • Several Macaca species are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.
• Member of the genus Macaca: A descriptive phrase for an individual animal.
  • The barbary macaque is a member of the genus Macaca.

Noun

1. macaques; rhesus monkeys