Prehensile
Prehensile
Prehensile (/prɪˈhɛnsɪl/ or /prɪˈhɛnsaɪl/) is a term used in biology and zoology to describe appendages adapted for grasping or holding. The term is derived from the Latin word "prehendere", meaning "to grasp".
Etymology
The term "prehensile" is derived from the Latin word "prehendere", which means "to grasp". It is a combination of the prefix "pre-" (before) and "hendere" (to grasp).
Usage
In biology and zoology, a prehensile organ is one that has evolved to grasp or hold objects. Examples of animals with prehensile body parts include primates with prehensile tails, elephants with prehensile trunks, and giraffes with prehensile tongues.
Related Terms
- Adaptation: The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
- Biology: The study of life and living organisms.
- Zoology: The scientific study of the behavior, structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.
- Primate: A mammal of the order Primates, which includes humans, apes, monkeys, and others.
- Elephant: A large mammal of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea.
- Giraffe: A species of African even-toed ungulate mammals, the tallest living terrestrial animals and the largest ruminants.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prehensile
- Wikipedia's article - Prehensile
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