PRIMATES

Primates in the field: Strepsirhini


NOTE:   In Campbell's book, look at all the color plates in the middle of the book.
  • 4 LORISOIDS: all nocturnal or largely so (maybe some cathemeral or crepuscular)
    • Galaginae (African, widespread):   Leaping (saltation, VCL; more quadrupedal when large)
    • Perodictinae (W. African Lorisidae):   Primarily slow climbing
    • Lorisinae (So. Asian Lorisidae):   Slow climbing or quadrupedal
      • Loris:  So. India, Sri Lanka
      • Nycticebus:   SE Asia, from Bangladesh to Java
    • Diets quite varied: tree gums ("exudates"), lots of insects; fruits, nectar
    • Scent marking

  • 5 MADAGASCAR LEMURS:
    Coastal lowlands, not mountainous interior
    Often living in noyaux
    Mostly omnivorous, with lots of fruits and flowers
    • Cheirogaleidae (dwarf & mouse lemurs): mostly nocturnal, quadrupedal
    • Lemuridae (wooly lemurs): mostly diurnal or crepuscular, quadrupedal; "opportunistic omnivores"
    • Lepilemuridae (sportive lemurs): mostly nocturnal, quadrupedal; lots of leaves in diet
      Extinct, bear-like Megaladapis may belong here
    • Indriidae (silky lemurs): diurnal, Vertical Clinging & Leaping
    • Daubentoniidae (aye-aye): nocturnal, quadrupedal; primarily insectivorous
    • Extinct Paleopropithecidae ("sloth-lemurs"): prob. suspensory

  • 6 TARSIIDAE:
    • Mostly (or all) insect-eating (plus small vertebrates)
    • Nocturnal; no reflective tapetum lucidum; more active in moonlight
    • Sleeps socially in small groups (2-6, socially); Ficus trees favored
    • Parental care: cache ("parking") and carry

  • 33 NUTRITION
    • Carbohydrates: fruits, leaves, gums (exudates)
    • Proteins: insects, small vertebrates, young leaves
    • Lipids: insects, seeds
    • Vitamins + minerals: fruits + misc.

  • 34 SEED DISPERSAL

  • 36 LOCOMOTOR BEHAVIOR



syllabus