What feature enables a firm purchase on branches via the woolly monkey's prehensile tail?
Answer
A bare, tactile pad on the underside of the tail's terminal third.
The highly developed prehensile tail of the woolly monkey is functionally indispensable, acting as a fifth limb capable of supporting the entire body weight. The critical anatomical structure that allows for this secure grip is a bare, tactile pad located on the underside of the tail's terminal third. This hairless patch functions similarly to the palm of a hand, providing a firm purchase, or grip, on bark and branches, which is essential for securely hanging while resting or foraging.
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