Comparative Primate Post

                         Comparative Primate Blog Post

                                                      Lemurs

 Lemurs are the oldest in the primate group. This species lives off the southern coast of Africa, on Madagascar. Lemurs migrated there from the continent of Africa to escape predators. They migrated on rafts they made of leaves and wood. Within this population of lemurs, the female lemur is dominant. Lemurs are nocturnal creatures who have adapted to the night and have been forced become so to escape their predators during the day. The smaller lemurs like to eat fruits and insects, while the larger lemurs are herbivores that would rather eat mostly plants.

Spider Monkeys

Spider monkeys are typically found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from Mexico all the way down to Brazil. These monkeys have long tails and medium size legs which assist them in swing from trees where they spend their time. These monkeys are very sociable and love being around each other. Spider monkeys have a diet that consists of about 90% fruits and nuts. However they also eat leaves and small birds. Their tails are extremely long and have been referred to as their “third hand”, which helps them swing from trees with perfection. Additionally, they have no thumbs which also assist them in maneuvering throughout their habitat.  

                                                        Baboons

Baboons are indigenous to the continent of Africa, and in that continent there are 5 different species of baboon. Some of these species live the savanna; however some baboons prefer the tropical rainforests. In contrast to the spider monkeys, baboons do not swing from tress; they usually stay on the ground. Baboons eat fruits, grass, seeds, bark and also have a taste for some meats. They can eat birds and rodents, and will also eat a larger animal such as a sheep or antelope. Baboons also keep food in pouches on the sides of their mouth to store and eat later. 

                                               Gibbon Monkey

The Gibbons monkey is often referred to as the “acrobatic monkey”. They perfect the act of swinging from vine to vine and rarely descending to the ground. When they do descend to the ground they walk on their legs and hold their arms above their head to maintain balance. They thrive on eating fruit from the trees in the tropical environment they call home. They also eat bugs, insects and bird eggs. The gibbon’s monkey does not have a tail, unlike other monkeys in the rainforest, such as the spider monkey.  The fact that these monkeys stay high in the trees is so that they can stay away from predators on the forest floor that would cause them harm. Their arms are used for swinging and this helps them stay atop.

                                           Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are classified as one of the Great Apes. They are largely found in the rainforest of Africa, specifically in the countries of Sudan, Tanzania and especially the republic of Congo, where the population is the largest. Chimpanzee’s have a bulky body and have hands that closely resemble that of a human, with digits that help them grasp objects very well.  These monkeys stay in the tress as well as the floor of the forest, however when they sleep they prefer within the tress to keep away from danger. These animals are mostly omnivores. They like to eat leaves and fruit; however they also like to eat berries and fruit and small animals on occasion. The chimpanzee is said to share 98% of humans DNA. This would probably explain their hands and the way they walk.

                                                            Summary

Within all the animals listed above, each has its own specific adaptation and traits specific to themselves. Such as the spider monkey, being the kind of habitat that it lives in calls for swinging through trees to stay away from predators, the tail comes in very handy. Also, the Lemur monkey is a nocturnal animal that is why its eyes are so large because they are used to see at night. Within all these animals is one specific behavior that is common and that is that they stay in packs and look out for each other. It also seems like they eat the same food, with variations here and there