History and etymology Marmot
marmota primigenia fossil
marmots have been known since antiquity. research french ethnologist michel peissel claimed story of gold-digging ants reported ancient greek historian herodotus, lived in fifth century bce, founded on golden himalayan marmot of deosai plateau , habit of local tribes such brokpa collect gold dust excavated burrows.
the etymology of term marmot uncertain. may have arisen gallo-romance prefix marm-, meaning mumble or murmur (an example of onomatopoeia). possible origin post-classical latin, mus montanus, meaning mountain mouse .
beginning in 2010, alaska celebrates february 2 marmot day , holiday intended observe prevalence of marmots in state , take place of groundhog day.
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