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Study Guide: Northern Plains Gray Langur: Biology and Ecology

Cheat Sheet:
Northern Plains Gray Langur: Biology and Ecology Study Guide

Taxonomy and Identification

The species *Semnopithecus entellus* is commonly known by several names, including the sacred langur and Hanuman langur.

Answer: True

Explanation: The species *Semnopithecus entellus* is commonly referred to by multiple names, such as the northern plains gray langur, sacred langur, Bengal sacred langur, and Hanuman langur, which relate to its distribution, cultural significance, and common associations.

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The northern plains gray langur belongs to the family Hominidae, which includes great apes and humans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur belongs to the family Cercopithecidae, which comprises Old World monkeys, not the family Hominidae (great apes and humans).

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The taxonomic navbox lists genera like Trachypithecus and Presbytis under the 'Langur group'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The taxonomic navbox categorizes genera such as Semnopithecus, Trachypithecus, and Presbytis under the 'Langur group', alongside other related genera in the 'Odd-nosed group'.

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The purpose of the 'Authority control databases' section is to list common names of the species.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Authority control databases' section provides links to international databases and catalogs for standardized identification and referencing of the species, not for listing common names.

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Which of the following is NOT a common name used for *Semnopithecus entellus*?

Answer: Himalayan langur

Explanation: Common names for *Semnopithecus entellus* include sacred langur and Hanuman langur. 'Himalayan langur' is not listed as a common name for this species; the Himalayan gray langur is *Semnopithecus schistaceus*.

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To which taxonomic family does the northern plains gray langur belong?

Answer: Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys)

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur is classified within the family Cercopithecidae, which encompasses the Old World monkeys.

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Which of the following genera is listed under the 'Odd-nosed group' in the taxonomic navbox, not the 'Langur group'?

Answer: Nasalis

Explanation: The genus *Nasalis*, which includes the proboscis monkey, is listed under the 'Odd-nosed group' in the taxonomic navbox, distinct from the 'Langur group' which includes genera like *Semnopithecus*, *Trachypithecus*, and *Presbytis*.

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The southern plains gray langur was previously classified as a subspecies known as:

Answer: Semnopithecus entellus dussumieri

Explanation: The southern plains gray langur was formerly classified as *Semnopithecus entellus dussumieri*, though this taxon is now considered invalid, with most specimens now recognized within the revised range of *Semnopithecus entellus*.

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The northern plains gray langur is classified in the order Primates and the family:

Answer: Cercopithecidae

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur is classified within the order Primates and the family Cercopithecidae, which includes Old World monkeys.

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Morphology and Physical Characteristics

Adult northern plains gray langurs are characterized by light-colored fur, black faces, hands, and feet.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adult northern plains gray langurs typically exhibit light-colored fur, often with darker coloration on their backs and limbs, and possess distinctly black faces, hands, and feet.

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Infant northern plains gray langurs are born with the same light fur coloration as adults.

Answer: False

Explanation: Infant northern plains gray langurs are born with brown fur, which differs from the lighter, often darker-backed fur characteristic of adults.

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The tail length of an adult northern plains gray langur is typically shorter than its body length.

Answer: False

Explanation: The tail of an adult northern plains gray langur is significantly longer than its body length, measuring between 80.3 cm and 111.8 cm (31.6 to 44.0 inches), while the body length is 45.1 cm to 78.4 cm (17.8 to 30.9 inches).

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Adult male northern plains gray langurs weigh considerably more than adult females, with males reaching up to 43 lb.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sexual dimorphism is evident in weight, with adult males weighing between 16.9 kg and 19.5 kg (approximately 37 to 43 lb), whereas adult females typically weigh between 9.5 kg and 16.1 kg (21 to 35 lb).

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The northern plains gray langur's tail length is typically measured between 31.6 to 44.0 inches.

Answer: True

Explanation: The tail length of an adult northern plains gray langur typically ranges from 80.3 cm to 111.8 cm, which corresponds to 31.6 to 44.0 inches.

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Describe the facial coloration of adult northern plains gray langurs.

Answer: Black

Explanation: Adult northern plains gray langurs are characterized by black faces, hands, and feet, contrasting with their generally light-colored fur.

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How does the fur color of infant northern plains gray langurs differ from adults?

Answer: Infants are born with brown fur.

Explanation: Infant northern plains gray langurs are born with brown fur, which transitions to the lighter adult coloration as they mature.

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What is the typical range for the body length (excluding tail) of an adult northern plains gray langur?

Answer: 45.1 cm to 78.4 cm

Explanation: The body length of an adult northern plains gray langur, excluding the tail, typically ranges from 45.1 cm to 78.4 cm (17.8 to 30.9 inches).

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Which weight range corresponds to adult female northern plains gray langurs?

Answer: 9.5 kg to 16.1 kg

Explanation: Adult female northern plains gray langurs typically weigh between 9.5 kg and 16.1 kg (21 to 35 lb), which is less than the weight range for adult males.

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What is the typical tail length range for an adult northern plains gray langur?

Answer: 31.6 to 44.0 inches

Explanation: The tail length of an adult northern plains gray langur typically ranges from 80.3 cm to 111.8 cm, which is equivalent to 31.6 to 44.0 inches.

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Habitat and Distribution

The geographical range of the northern plains gray langur is limited strictly to the Himalayan foothills in northern India.

Answer: False

Explanation: The range of the northern plains gray langur extends south of the Himalayas, reaching as far south as the Tapti River and the Krishna River in India.

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There is evidence suggesting the northern plains gray langur might have been introduced to western Bangladesh.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is hypothesized that the northern plains gray langur may have been introduced to western Bangladesh, possibly on the banks of the Jalangi River by Hindu pilgrims.

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The northern plains gray langur primarily inhabits dense tropical rainforests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur predominantly inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical dry shrublands, rather than dense tropical rainforests.

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What is the southern limit of the northern plains gray langur's natural range within India?

Answer: The Tapti River and the Krishna River

Explanation: The natural distribution of the northern plains gray langur extends southwards within India to the Tapti River and the Krishna River.

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What type of natural environments does the northern plains gray langur inhabit?

Answer: Subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrublands

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur primarily inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical dry shrublands.

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Social Behavior and Reproduction

Both male and female northern plains gray langurs actively groom other members of their social group.

Answer: False

Explanation: Female northern plains gray langurs engage in grooming behavior towards members of both sexes, whereas males of the species typically do not groom other individuals.

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Solitary males and groups consisting solely of multiple males are among the observed social structures for this species.

Answer: True

Explanation: Observed social structures for the northern plains gray langur include groups composed of multiple males, as well as solitary males living independently.

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The most prevalent social structure among northern plains gray langurs is a group composed solely of multiple males.

Answer: False

Explanation: The most commonly observed social structure is the single-male group, where one male resides with multiple females, rather than groups composed solely of multiple males.

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Northern plains gray langur groups have been observed to exceed 100 individuals in size.

Answer: True

Explanation: The species is capable of forming large social aggregations, with group sizes reported to exceed 100 individuals.

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Upon reaching maturity, females typically leave their natal groups, while males remain.

Answer: False

Explanation: Upon reaching maturity, male northern plains gray langurs typically emigrate from their natal groups, while females generally remain within their birth group throughout their lives.

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Within social groups, older females tend to be dominant over younger adult females.

Answer: False

Explanation: The dominance hierarchy within social groups indicates that young adult females are typically dominant over older females, suggesting age is not the sole determinant of dominance.

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Infanticide by a new male taking over a group is a common occurrence, regardless of the speed of the takeover.

Answer: False

Explanation: Infanticide by a new male taking over a group is a potential behavior, but it is less common if the takeover process occurs gradually over several months.

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Forest-dwelling northern plains gray langur groups typically give birth throughout the year, similar to provisioned groups.

Answer: False

Explanation: Forest-dwelling groups tend to give birth primarily between December and May, whereas provisioned groups, with consistent food availability, exhibit year-round breeding patterns.

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The gestation period for the northern plains gray langur is approximately 200 days.

Answer: True

Explanation: The gestation period for the northern plains gray langur is approximately 200 days, representing the duration from conception to parturition.

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Alloparenting, where non-mothers care for infants, is not observed in this species.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alloparenting is observed in this species; females other than the mother frequently provide care for infants during their first month of life.

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Weaning typically occurs around 1 year of age, and males reach sexual maturity by age 5.

Answer: False

Explanation: Weaning typically occurs around one year of age, but males reach sexual maturity later, at approximately six to seven years of age.

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How does male grooming behavior differ from female grooming behavior in this species?

Answer: Females groom members of both sexes, while males do not typically groom others.

Explanation: Female northern plains gray langurs engage in grooming behavior towards individuals of both sexes, whereas males generally do not participate in grooming other members of the group.

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What is the consequence if a new male takes over a group gradually over several months?

Answer: Infanticide is less common.

Explanation: When a new male takes over a group gradually over several months, the incidence of infanticide, which is the killing of infants fathered by the previous male(s), tends to be lower.

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How does the breeding pattern of forest-dwelling groups differ from provisioned groups?

Answer: Forest groups give birth mainly between December and May; provisioned groups breed year-round.

Explanation: Forest-dwelling groups typically give birth during a specific season (December to May), whereas provisioned groups, benefiting from consistent food availability, exhibit year-round breeding.

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What does alloparenting involve for infants in the first month of life?

Answer: Females other than the mother often provide care.

Explanation: Alloparenting in this species involves females other than the mother frequently providing care and attention to infants during their initial month of life.

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At approximately what age do male northern plains gray langurs reach sexual maturity?

Answer: 6 to 7 years

Explanation: Male northern plains gray langurs typically achieve sexual maturity at approximately six to seven years of age.

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How do young adult females typically relate to older females in the dominance hierarchy?

Answer: Young adult females are dominant over older females.

Explanation: Within the social hierarchy of northern plains gray langur groups, young adult females are typically dominant over older females.

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Diet and Human Interaction

The primary food source for the northern plains gray langur consists of insects and seeds.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary food sources for the northern plains gray langur are fruits and leaves, with mature leaves being particularly important during the dry season. Insects and seeds are consumed but are not the primary component.

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Mature leaves are a crucial food source for the langurs, especially during the dry season.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mature leaves constitute a vital part of the northern plains gray langur's diet, providing sustenance, particularly during periods when other food sources may be scarce, such as the dry season.

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Human-provided food, such as temple offerings, significantly impacts the diet of some langur groups.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain groups of northern plains gray langurs rely substantially on food provided by humans, including temple offerings and raided crops, which significantly alters their natural feeding patterns.

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The cultural significance of the northern plains gray langur in Hinduism negatively impacts its population size in India.

Answer: False

Explanation: The cultural significance of the northern plains gray langur in Hinduism positively influences its population, contributing to its large numbers and presence even in urban areas due to reverence.

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In Delhi, captive gray langurs are used to manage rhesus macaque populations by deterring them.

Answer: True

Explanation: Captive gray langurs are employed in Delhi specifically to deter rhesus macaques, as their presence helps to scare away the macaques from areas where they cause problems.

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What is the primary component of the northern plains gray langur's diet?

Answer: Fruits and leaves

Explanation: The primary components of the northern plains gray langur's diet are fruits and leaves, with mature leaves being particularly important, especially during the dry season.

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How does the cultural significance in Hinduism affect the northern plains gray langur in India?

Answer: It contributes to their large population size and presence in urban areas.

Explanation: The reverence for the northern plains gray langur in Hinduism contributes positively to its population size and allows for its presence in urban areas, as people are less inclined to harm or displace them.

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In Bengal art, which animal is used as the basis for depicting the deity Hanuman?

Answer: Anthropomorphized grey langur

Explanation: In Bengal art, particularly from the late 19th century, the anthropomorphized form of the native grey langur species has been utilized as the basis for depicting the deity Hanuman.

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Which of the following is NOT a food source mentioned for the northern plains gray langur?

Answer: Fish

Explanation: Mentioned food sources for the northern plains gray langur include flowers, buds, bark, roots, insects (like caterpillars), fruits, leaves, and seeds. Fish are not listed as a dietary component.

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What is the primary role of captive gray langurs in Delhi?

Answer: To deter rhesus macaques.

Explanation: In Delhi, captive gray langurs are utilized primarily for their role in deterring rhesus macaques, effectively managing their presence in public areas.

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Conservation Status and Threats

The conservation status of the northern plains gray langur is listed as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List.

Answer: False

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur is classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently facing an immediate threat of extinction globally.

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Habitat loss is identified as the most significant threat to the northern plains gray langur.

Answer: True

Explanation: Habitat loss, referring to the degradation or destruction of its natural forest and shrubland environments, is recognized as the primary threat impacting the northern plains gray langur population.

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The northern plains gray langur is listed under CITES Appendix II, allowing regulated international trade.

Answer: False

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur is listed under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits international trade as the species is threatened with extinction, not Appendix II which allows regulated trade.

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Hunting or killing langurs for crop protection is a threat primarily observed in northern Indian states like Himachal Pradesh.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hunting or killing langurs for crop protection is a threat observed primarily in states such as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, not Himachal Pradesh.

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What is the conservation status of the northern plains gray langur according to the IUCN Red List?

Answer: Least Concern

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur is designated as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently facing an immediate threat of extinction on a global scale.

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What is identified as the primary threat to the northern plains gray langur?

Answer: Habitat loss

Explanation: Habitat loss, encompassing the degradation and destruction of its natural forest and shrubland environments, is identified as the most significant threat to the northern plains gray langur.

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The northern plains gray langur is listed under which CITES appendix, prohibiting trade?

Answer: Appendix I

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur is listed under CITES Appendix I, which signifies that the species is threatened with extinction and its international trade is prohibited.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a threat to the northern plains gray langur?

Answer: Competition with lions

Explanation: Competition with lions is not listed as a threat to the northern plains gray langur. Identified threats include road kill, forest fires, attacks by domestic dogs, habitat loss, hunting, and diseases.

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In which states is the langur particularly vulnerable to hunting or being killed for crop protection?

Answer: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Explanation: The northern plains gray langur faces vulnerability to hunting and killing for crop protection primarily in the Indian states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

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What is the significance of the northern plains gray langur's CITES Appendix I listing?

Answer: It signifies the species is threatened with extinction and trade is prohibited.

Explanation: A CITES Appendix I listing signifies that the northern plains gray langur is threatened with extinction, necessitating the prohibition of international trade to ensure its conservation.

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