platyrrhini
A capuchin monkey, a member of Platyrrhini, swings through the rainforest canopy.
Noun: 1. A taxonomic infraorder of primates: Platyrrhini is the scientific name for the group of primates commonly known as New World monkeys. They are characterized by having broad, flat noses with nostrils that face sideways, and many have prehensile tails.
The word "Platyrrhini" is used almost exclusively in scientific, zoological, or academic contexts to classify and discuss this specific branch of primates. * The biologist specialized in studying the behavior and evolution of the Platyrrhini. * One key anatomical feature distinguishing Platyrrhini (New World monkeys) from Catarrhini (Old World monkeys and apes) is the shape of the nose.
- Taxonomic Context: In biological classification, Platyrrhini is an infraorder within the parvorder Simiiformes (anthropoids). It is contrasted with Catarrhini, which includes Old World monkeys, apes, and humans.
- The evolutionary split between Platyrrhini and Catarrhini is estimated to have occurred tens of millions of years ago.
- Platyrrhine (adjective/noun): Used to describe the characteristic flat-nosed feature or as another term for a New World monkey.
- The platyrrhine nose is a defining trait.
- Capuchins are platyrrhines.
- New World monkey (noun): The common English name for any member of the Platyrrhini.
- New World monkey (common term)
- Platyrrhine (scientific term)
- Catarrhini: The infraorder containing Old World monkeys, apes, and humans, characterized by narrow, downward-facing nostrils.
A capuchin monkey, a member of Platyrrhini, swings through the rainforest canopy.
- New World monkeys: capuchin; douroucouli; howler monkey; saki; spider monkey; squirrel monkey; titi; uakari; woolly monkey; marmoset; tamarin