What type of tail do tamarins in the genus Saguinus possess?
Answer
Non-prehensile tail
Tamarins, like other members of the genus Saguinus, possess a tail, which immediately distinguishes them from apes, as apes lack tails entirely. However, their tail is specifically described as non-prehensile. This means that although they use the tail for balance, they do not employ it to grasp onto branches as a fifth limb, a capability sometimes seen in other New World monkeys such as spider monkeys. The presence of a tail, even a non-prehensile one, solidifies their classification within the monkey group.
Related Questions
Are tamarins classified as apes or monkeys within the primate order?What family classification includes tamarins along with marmosets?What type of tail do tamarins in the genus Saguinus possess?What infraorder defines tamarins as New World monkeys?Besides the big toe, what do tamarins have instead of flat nails on their digits?What specialized feeding habit, supported by specialized lower incisors, is seen in tamarins?What distinctive feature identifies the Cotton-top Tamarin (*Saguinus oedipus*)?What skeletal feature generally distinguishes apes from monkeys like tamarins?What is the primary locomotion style utilized by tamarins across branches?From which continents did apes (catarrhines) originate?