Internet Encyclopedia of Science
ZOOLOGY
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   • HOME
• ABOUT
• CATEGORIES
• COPYRIGHT
• NEWSLETTER

  



prosimian


mongoose lemur
Captive mongoose lemurs, native to Madagascar.
Image credit: Primate Center, Duke University
The most primitive type of primate. Prosimians are ancestral to all of today's monkeys and apes, including humans. The group includes all of the lemurs, tarsiers, and lorises.

Prosimians are typically, but not exclusively nocturnal, and have lower brain-to-body mass ratios than other primates. Their habitat is restricted to tropical woodlands.

Prosimians are characterized by:
  • a well-developed sense of smell with snout
  • only partial binocular vision
  • claws on some digits
  • immobilized upper lips
  • a 2:1:3:3 dental formula, i.e., 2 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, 3 molars.

Related category

   • ZOOLOGY


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History




BACK TO TOP