An African monkey found mainly in forests, with a long tail and typically a brightly colored coat. The male is much larger than the female.
Genus Cercopithecus, family Cercopithecidae: several species, including the vervet, mona, and Diana monkeys
‘Putty-nosed monkeys belong to a group of African monkeys called guenons.’
‘We focused on the vocal behavior of the adult male because other studies have shown that adult male guenons produce predator-specific alarm calls in response to eagles and leopards.’
‘Two indels were present in exons: a five amino acid deletion in exon 9 was present in humans and apes, and a single amino acid deletion in exon 14 occurred in cercopithecine Old World monkeys (macaque and guenon).’
‘The social tensions particular to zoo life can distract males from reproducing - a male guenon in a dysfunctional family group, for example, can become so preoccupied with aggressive behavior that he ignores the females.’
‘And at least three picked up the virus from separate animals - a gorilla, a mandrill and a type of monkey called a De Brazza's guenon - based on comparison of viral DNA sequences in their blood with those from the animals.’
Origin
Mid 19th century from French, of unknown origin.
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips