ScienceJuly 15, 2026
primatology
/ˌpraɪməˈtɒlədʒi/
Definition
The scientific study of primates, including their biology, behavior, evolution, and classification.
Etymology
The word combines the Latin 'primas' (meaning 'first' or 'prime') with the suffix '-ology' (derived from the Greek 'logos', meaning 'study of'). It emerged in the 19th century to describe the systematic academic study of the order Primates.
In the news
The discovery of the new monkey species is described as a major event in modern primatology. It highlights how the field relies on genetic and anatomical research to identify and document rare primate species.
Striking new species of African monkey discovered deep in the Congo rainforest
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!