What two primary elements, derived from Greek, define the meaning of the specific epithet *chrysomelas*?
Answer
Gold and black
The specific epithet *chrysomelas* is linguistically significant as it encapsulates the bird's appearance using Greek roots. The element $\chi\rho\upsilon\sigma o\acute{\varsigma}$ translates to mean 'gold,' and the element $\mu\acute{\epsilon}\lambda\alpha\varsigma$ translates to mean 'black.' This combination perfectly summarizes the striking plumage that characterizes the Black-and-Yellow Tanager. While the common name emphasizes 'Black-and-Yellow,' the formal scientific epithet specifically references gold and black coloration, providing a concise descriptor rooted in classical language, contrasting slightly with the common descriptor used by field observers.
Related Questions
What was the original generic name, the protonym, for the Black-and-Yellow Tanager?Which ornithologists are credited with the initial formal description of the species in 1869?What two primary elements, derived from Greek, define the meaning of the specific epithet *chrysomelas*?To which avian Family is *Chrysothlypis chrysomelas* currently situated, confirming its identity as a true tanager?Where was the type locality pinpointed for the initial formal description of the species?How does the geographical location of the recognized subspecies *C. c. ocularis* differ from the nominate subspecies?What is the general translation signified by the Greek origin of the genus name *Chrysothlypis*?What is the specific morphological feature noted on the male *ocularis* that helps distinguish it from the nominate form?When ornithologists shift a species from *Tachyphonus* to *Chrysothlypis*, what is the primary evolutionary justification?Which spelling of the specific epithet is noted as an emendation that differs from the spelling recognized by most modern authorities?What level of avian classification, known as the largest order, does the Black-and-Yellow Tanager belong to?