Definition

Noun: 1. A species of small New World monkey: Leontocebus oedipus is the scientific name for a specific primate, commonly known as the cotton-top tamarin. This monkey is characterized by its small size, long tail, and the distinctive, long, white fur on its head that resembles a crest or tuft.

Usage Notes

• This term is a scientific binomial name (genus and species). It is used primarily in academic, zoological, and conservation contexts.
• In everyday language, the common name "cotton-top tamarin" is almost always used instead.
• It is always written in . The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is written in lowercase.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on the social behavior of Leontocebus oedipus in their natural habitat.
  • Leontocebus oedipus is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• General Context (using the common name implied by the scientific term):
  • The cotton-top tamarin is easily recognized by the striking white mane on its head.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Classification: The full classification places within the family Callitrichidae. Its taxonomy has been revised; it was formerly classified under the genus .
• In Conservation Biology: The term is used formally in legal documents, research papers, and international agreements (like CITES) concerning wildlife protection.

Variants and Related Words

• Cotton-top Tamarin (n): The standard common name for .
• Tamarin (n): The general common name for monkeys in the genera , , and .
• Callitrichid (n/adj): Referring to a member of the family Callitrichidae, which includes marmosets and tamarins.

Synonyms

• Cotton-top tamarin
• (an older, synonymized scientific name)

Different Meanings

• Note on "Oedipus": The species epithet is derived from Greek mythology (Oedipus, who solved the riddle of the Sphinx). It refers to the tamarin's head crest, which was fancifully thought to resemble the headdress of the mythological figure. The word itself does not carry the thematic meanings associated with the Oedipus complex in this zoological context.

Noun

1. South American tamarin with a tufted head