malayan tapir
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A large, herbivorous mammal (Tapirus indicus) native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra. It is characterized by its distinctive black-and-white two-tone coloration, with a black front and rear body and a white or light gray midsection.
Usage
The term "Malayan tapir" is used to specifically identify this species of tapir within the zoological and biological contexts. It distinguishes it from other tapir species found in Central and South America. - The Malayan tapir is the largest of the four extant tapir species. - Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting the habitat of the Malayan tapir.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Classification: Often used in scientific literature and conservation discussions to refer to , also historically known as the "Asian tapir" or "Indian tapir."
- Descriptive Zoology: The unique coloration is described as disruptive camouflage, which helps break up the animal's outline in the dappled light of the forest.
Variants and Related Words
- Tapir: The general term for the family Tapiridae, which includes the Malayan, Baird's, mountain, and lowland tapirs.
- Tapirus indicus: The binomial (scientific) name for the Malayan tapir.
Synonyms
- Asian tapir
- Indian tapir (an older, less precise term)
Related Phrases and Terms
- Disruptive coloration: The type of camouflage exhibited by the Malayan tapir.
- Perissodactyl: The order of odd-toed ungulates to which tapirs belong, alongside horses and rhinoceroses.
Noun
- a tapir found in Malaya and Sumatra