Why is the weight difference between sexes in this species notable regarding sexual dimorphism?
It represents the greatest degree of sexual dimorphism among the capuchins.
The size and mass disparity between adult male and female White-Faced Capuchins is a highly significant physical trait of the species. While the overall weight range for the species generally falls between 2 and 4 kg, the distinction between sexes is marked. Males typically attain a greater mass than females; for instance, the Panamanian variant sees males reaching up to 3.9 kg, while females are lighter. This consistent difference in mass means that sexual dimorphism, the observable difference in form between the sexes, is exceptionally pronounced in this species. The text explicitly states that this observed difference in mass constitutes the greatest degree of sexual dimorphism when compared against other capuchin species, underscoring a significant physical divergence based on sex.
