Glossary 
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Oligocene Age in the Tertiary between the Eocene and 
Miocene. 
opposable Of the thumb, first toe, or other fingers and toes. 
The ability to act like a man's thumb in grasp- 
ing. 
Palearctic Pertaining to a region of the world including 
Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas, north- 
ern Arabia and Africa north of the Sahara. 
palmate (Of antlers.) Broad, resembling the spread-out 
hand of a man, the points extending like fin- 
gers. 
pedicel A supporting part, as a stem or stalk. 
phalanger Australian marsupial of the family Phalan- 
geridae. 
physiography The form and physical features of the surface 
of the earth. 
physiology The life process of an animal. 
pigment, -ed Material that produces black, red, and other 
colors in the tissues of animals. 
plantigrade Walking on the sole with the heel touching the 
ground, in opposition to digitigrade, walking 
on the toes like dogs and cats. 
Pleistocene The most recent past geological period during 
which large ice caps were developed in Europe 
and North America; between the Pliocene 
and present, roughly from 10,000 years ago 
to 1,000,000. 
predator An animal that preys upon other animals. 
prehensile Adapted for grasping. Applied to hands, feet 
and tails of mammals. 
premolar teeth Chewing teeth between canines and molars, 
usually less broad than the latter; preceded 
by deciduous teeth. 
primitive Pertaining to the beginning or origin, like mam- 
mals whose structure approximates that of 
ancestral mammals. 
proboscis A long, flexible nose, or trunk. 
relicts Survivors. In zoology often used for species 
which have persisted for long periods after 
their allies have become extinct. 
rudiment, -ary An initial or imperfect stage or form. 
