Difference between revisions of "Lemur" - New World Encyclopedia

Latest revision as of 19:36, 25 October 2022

Lemurs

Ring-tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Suborder:	Strepsirrhini
Infraorder:	Lemuriformes Gray, 1821

Superfamilies and Families

Cheirogaleoidea
- Cheirogaleidae
Lemuroidea
- Lemuridae
- Lepilemuridae
- Indriidae

Lemur is the common name for any of the prosimian primates belonging to the infraorder Lemuriformes, which comprises the families Lemuridae (lemurs), Lepilemuridae (sportive lemurs), Indriidae (woolly lemurs), and Cheirogaleidae (dwarf lemurs and mouse lemurs). The term also is used in a more restrictive sense to refer only to the members of the family Lemuridae.

Lemurs are native to Madagascar and adjacent islands. They are characterized by relatively large eyes with a reflective layer over the retina; a tail, if present, that is not prehensile (adapted for grasping or holding) and is typically long; lower front teeth that are directed forward; a stout claw-like nail on the second toe; and a long slim muzzle with a naked tip.

Lemurs, despite their very limited geographical distribution, are well-known worldwide, contributing to the wonder of nature with their unique behaviors and forms. They are popular attractions in the wild or in zoos.

The term "lemur" is derived from the Latin word lemures, meaning "spirits of the night," or "ghost(s)" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes that many of the nocturnal lemur species have. The two so-called flying lemur species are not lemurs, nor are they even primates.

Overview

Lemurs belong to the biological order Primates. Primates are characterized by being anatomically unspecialized, with limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, refined five-digit hands and feet adapted for grasping and including opposable thumbs, comparatively flattened snouts, and prolonged pre- and postnatal development, among other features. Another distinguishing feature of primates is fingernails. All primates, even those that lack the features typical of other primates (like lorises), share eye orbit characteristics, such as a postorbital bar, that distinguish them from other taxonomic orders.

The Primates order is divided informally into three main groupings: prosimians, monkeys of the New World, and monkeys and apes of the Old World. Lemurs are prosimians. Prosimians are generally considered the most primitive extant (living) primates, representing forms that were ancestral to monkeys and apes. With the exception of the tarsiers, all of the prosimians are in the suborder Strepsirrhini. These include the lemurs, Aye-aye, and lorises. The tarsiers are placed in the suborder Haplorrhini (with the monkeys and apes). Within the Strepsirrhini there are different infraorders, one of which is the infraorder Lemuriformes, the lemurs.

The term lemur is generically used for the members of the four lemuriform families: Cheirogaleidae, Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, and Indriidae. The first comprises the subfamily Cheirogaleoidea and the latter three comprise the suborder Lemuroidea. However, lemur also is the genus of one of the lemuriform species, the ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta).

Description

Lemurs are endemic (found naturally) only on the island of Madagascar and some smaller surrounding islands, including the Comoros (where it is likely they were introduced by humans). Fossil evidence indicates that they made their way across the ocean after Madagascar broke away from the continent of Africa (Glander 2006).

While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by monkeys, apes, and other primates, the lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. These range in size from the tiny 30 gram (1 oz) pygmy mouse lemur to the 10 kilogram (22 lb) indri. The larger species, some of which weighed up to 240 kilograms (Strier 2000), have all become extinct since humans settled on Madagascar, and since the early twentieth century the largest lemurs reach about seven kilograms (15 lbs). Typically, the smaller lemurs are active at night (nocturnal), while the larger ones are active during the day (diurnal).

There are around 85 living lemur species (Mittermeier et al. 2006; Andriaholinirina et al. 2006; Louis et al. 2006; Olivieria et al. 2006), and more currently awaiting publication.

The small cheirogaleoids (superfamily Cheirogaleoidea, family Cheirogaleidae) are generally omnivores, eating a variety of fruits, flowers, and leaves (and sometimes nectar) as well as insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. The remainder of the lemurs, the lemuroids (superfamily Lemuroidea) are primarily herbivores, although some species supplement their diet with insects.

Lemurs have opposable thumbs and long grasping toes, but their tails are not prehensile. In many the tail is very long, comparable to the size of their bodies. The Indri indri lacks a tail. Lemurs have nails rather than claws on their fingers and toes; these nails are flat with the exception of the stout, clawlike nail on the second toes of the feet. All lemur species have a tapetum, the reflective layer over the retina (Strier 2000). The lower front teeth are directed forward and their pointed muzzle has a naked tip.

Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision (Strier). Lemurs depend quite heavily on the sense of smell and have large nasal cavities and moist noses (Strier).

Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a Matriarchal society (i.e. females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.

Endangered species

All lemurs are endangered species or threatened species and many species of lemur became extinct in recent centuries, due mainly to habitat destruction (deforestation) and hunting. Although conservation efforts are under way, options are limited because of the lemurs' limited range and because of Madagascar's economic situation relative to the developed world.

Indigenous superstitions that strepsirrhines, like the nocturnal aye-aye, are omens and harbingers of bad fortune motivate some locals in remote areas to post hunting traps.

Classification

Thermographic image of a Ring-tailed Lemur in the morning sun.

As shown here, the four families of lemurs are split into two superfamilies. The Cheirogaleidae have a pedal structure, similar to the other strepsirrhine families and the haplorrhines, suggesting they split off from the other lemurs first. As such, the Cheirogaleoidea are a sister clade to the Lemuroidea.

ORDER PRIMATES
- Suborder Strepsirrhini: non-tarsier prosimians
  - Infraorder Lemuriformes
    - Superfamily Cheirogaleoidea
      - Family Cheirogaleidae: dwarf and mouse lemurs
    - Superfamily Lemuroidea
      - Family Lemuridae: lemurs
      - Family Lepilemuridae: sportive lemurs
      - Family Indriidae: woolly lemurs, sifakas, and allies
  - Infraorder Chiromyiformes: Aye-aye
  - Infraorder Lorisiformes: galagos (bushbabies) and lorises
- Suborder Haplorrhini: tarsiers, monkeys and apes

Gallery

Black-and-white ruffed lemur
Red ruffed lemur
Ring-tailed lemur
Ring-tailed lemur from the Monkey Rainforest
Black-and-white ruffed lemur
White-fronted brown lemur at Blackpool Zoo
Ring-tailed lemur at Marwell Zoological Park
Ring-tailed lemur at San Diego Wild Animal Park

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Andriaholinirina, N., J. Fausser, C., Roos, Y. Rumpler, et al. 2006. "Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (Lepilemur, Primates)." BMC Evolutionary Biology 6: 17.

Glander, K. 2006. What's a lemur?. PBS. Retrieved April 19, 2006.

Louis, E. E., S. E. Engberg, R. Lei, H. Geng, J. A. Sommer, R. Randriamampionona, J. C. Randriamanana, J. R. Zaonarivelo, R. Andriantompohavana, G. Randria, Prosper, B. Ramaromilanto, G. Rakotoarisoa, A. Rooney, and R. A. Brenneman. 2006. Molecular and morphological analyses of the sportive lemurs (Family Megaladapidae: Genus Lepilemur) reveals 11 previously unrecognized species. Texas Tech University Special Publications 49: 1-49. Retrieved August 18, 2007.

Mittermeier, R. A., W. R. Konstant, F. Hawkins, E. E. Louis, and O. Langrand. 2006. Lemurs of Madagascar, 2nd edition. Conservation International. Retrieved October 29, 2006.

Olivieria, G., E. Zimmermann, B. Randrianambininab, S. Rassoloharijaonab, D. Rakotondravonyb, K. Guschanskia, and U. Radespiela. 2006. The ever-increasing diversity in mouse lemurs: Three new species in north and northwestern Madagascar. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution November 7, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2007

Strier, K. B. 2000. Primate Behavioral Ecology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0205200192

External links

All links retrieved October 25, 2022.

Duke University Lemur Center Photographs, information, and research programs.
Books about Lemurs.
New lemurs found in Madagascar.
Lemurs of Madagascar.

Credits

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Lemur ^history

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History of "Lemur"

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Claimed}}{{Contracted}}
+{{Approved}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Paid}}{{Copyedited}}
 {{Taxobox | color = pink
-| name = Lemurs<ref name=MSW>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=111-121}}</ref>
+| name = Lemurs
 | image = Lemurs.jpg
 | image_width = 250px
-| image_caption =[[Ring-tailed Lemur]]s (''Lemur catta'')
+| image_caption =[[Ring-tailed Lemur]]s ''(Lemur catta)''
 | regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 | phylum = [[Chordata]]
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 '''Lemur''' is the common name for any of the [[primate#Prosimians|prosimian]] [[primate]]s belonging to the infraorder '''Lemuriformes''', which comprises the families Lemuridae (lemurs), Lepilemuridae (sportive lemurs), Indriidae (woolly lemurs), and Cheirogaleidae (dwarf lemurs and mouse lemurs). The term also is used in a more restrictive sense to refer only to the members of the family Lemuridae.
-Lemurs are native to [[Madagascar]] and adjacent islands. They are characterized by relatively large [[eye]]s with a reflective layer over the retina; a long tail that is not prehensile (adapted for grasping or holding); lower front teeth that are directed forward; a stout clawlike nail on the second toe; and a long slim muzzle with a naked tip.
+Lemurs are native to [[Madagascar]] and adjacent islands. They are characterized by relatively large [[eye]]s with a reflective layer over the retina; a tail, if present, that is not prehensile (adapted for grasping or holding) and is typically long; lower front teeth that are directed forward; a stout claw-like nail on the second toe; and a long slim muzzle with a naked tip.
-The term "lemur" is derived from the [[Latin]] word ''[[lemures]]'', meaning "spirits of the night," or "ghost(s)" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes that many of the nocturnal lemur species have. The two so-called [[flying lemur]] species are not lemurs, nor are they even primates.
+Lemurs, despite their very limited geographical distribution, are well-known worldwide, contributing to the wonder of nature with their unique behaviors and forms. They are popular attractions in the wild or in [[zoo]]s.
+{{toc}}
+The term "lemur" is derived from the [[Latin]] word ''[[lemures]],'' meaning "spirits of the night," or "ghost(s)" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes that many of the nocturnal lemur species have. The two so-called [[flying lemur]] species are not lemurs, nor are they even primates.
 ==Overview==
@@ Line 31: / Line 33: @@
 Lemurs belong to the biological order Primates. Primates are characterized by being anatomically unspecialized, with limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, refined five-digit hands and feet adapted for grasping and including opposable thumbs, comparatively flattened snouts, and prolonged pre- and postnatal development, among other features. Another distinguishing feature of primates is fingernails. All primates, even those that lack the features typical of other primates (like lorises), share eye orbit characteristics, such as a postorbital bar, that distinguish them from other taxonomic orders.
-The Primates order is divided informally into three main groupings: ''prosimians'', ''monkeys of the New World'', and ''monkeys and apes of the Old World''. Lemurs are prosimians. Prosimians are generally considered the most primitive extant (living) primates, representing forms that were ancestral to [[monkey]]s and [[ape]]s. With the exception of the tarsiers, all of the prosimians are in the suborder ''Strepsirrhini''. These include the lemurs, Aye-aye, and lorises. The tasiers are placed in the suborder ''Haplorrhini'' (with the monkeys and apes). Within the Strepsirrhini there are different infraorders, one of which is the infraorder Lemuriformes, the lemurs.
+The Primates order is divided informally into three main groupings: ''prosimians,'' ''monkeys of the New World,'' and ''monkeys and apes of the Old World.'' Lemurs are prosimians. Prosimians are generally considered the most primitive extant (living) primates, representing forms that were ancestral to [[monkey]]s and [[ape]]s. With the exception of the tarsiers, all of the prosimians are in the suborder ''Strepsirrhini.'' These include the lemurs, Aye-aye, and lorises. The tarsiers are placed in the suborder ''Haplorrhini'' (with the monkeys and apes). Within the Strepsirrhini there are different infraorders, one of which is the infraorder Lemuriformes, the lemurs.
-The term lemur is generically used for the members of the four lemuriform families: Cheirogaleidae, Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, and Indriidae. The first comprises the subfamily Cheirogaleoidea and the latter three comprise the suborder Lemuroidea. However, lemur also is the [[genus]] of one of the lemuriform species, the [[ring-tailed Lemur]] (''Lemur catta'').
+The term lemur is generically used for the members of the four lemuriform families: Cheirogaleidae, Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, and Indriidae. The first comprises the subfamily Cheirogaleoidea and the latter three comprise the suborder Lemuroidea. However, lemur also is the [[genus]] of one of the lemuriform species, the [[ring-tailed Lemur]] ''(Lemur catta).''
 ==Description==
 Lemurs are endemic (found naturally) only on the island of [[Madagascar]] and some smaller surrounding islands, including the [[Comoros]] (where it is likely they were introduced by humans). Fossil evidence indicates that they made their way across the ocean after Madagascar broke away from the continent of Africa (Glander 2006).
-While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by [[monkey]]s, [[ape]]s, and other primates, the lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. These range in size from the tiny 30 gram (1 oz) [[pygmy mouse lemur]] to the 10 kilogram (22 lb) [[indri]]. The larger species, some of which weighed up to 240 kilograms (Strier 2000), have all become extinct since humans settled on Madagascar, and since the early 20th century the largest lemurs reach about 7 kilograms (15 lbs). Typically, the smaller lemurs are active at night ([[nocturnal]]), while the larger ones are active during the day ([[diurnal animal|diurnal]]).
+While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by [[monkey]]s, [[ape]]s, and other primates, the lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. These range in size from the tiny 30 gram (1 oz) [[pygmy mouse lemur]] to the 10 kilogram (22 lb) [[indri]]. The larger species, some of which weighed up to 240 kilograms (Strier 2000), have all become extinct since humans settled on Madagascar, and since the early twentieth century the largest lemurs reach about seven kilograms (15 lbs). Typically, the smaller lemurs are active at night ([[nocturnal]]), while the larger ones are active during the day ([[diurnal animal|diurnal]]).
-There are around 85 living lemur species, with new species regularly discovered and named (Mittermeier et al. 2006; Andriaholinirina et al. 2006; Louis et al. 2006; Olivieria et al. 2006), and more currently awaiting publication.
+There are around 85 living lemur species (Mittermeier et al. 2006; Andriaholinirina et al. 2006; Louis et al. 2006; Olivieria et al. 2006), and more currently awaiting publication.
 The small [[cheirogaleoid]]s (superfamily Cheirogaleoidea, family Cheirogaleidae) are generally [[omnivore]]s, eating a variety of [[fruit]]s, [[flower]]s, and [[leaf|leaves]] (and sometimes nectar) as well as [[insect]]s, [[spider]]s, and small [[vertebrate]]s. The remainder of the lemurs, the [[lemuroid]]s (superfamily Lemuroidea) are primarily [[herbivore]]s, although some species supplement their diet with insects.
-Lemurs have opposable thumbs and long grasping toes, but their tails are not prehensile. In many the tail is very long, comparable to the size of their bodies. Lemurs have nails rather than claws on their fingers and toes; these nails are flat with the exception of the stout, clawlike nail on the second toes of the feet. All lemur species have a tapetum, the reflective layer over the retina (Strier 2000). The lower front teeth are directed forward and their pointed muzzle has a naked tip.
+Lemurs have opposable thumbs and long grasping toes, but their tails are not prehensile. In many the tail is very long, comparable to the size of their bodies. The ''Indri indri'' lacks a tail. Lemurs have nails rather than claws on their fingers and toes; these nails are flat with the exception of the stout, clawlike nail on the second toes of the feet. All lemur species have a tapetum, the reflective layer over the retina (Strier 2000). The lower front teeth are directed forward and their pointed muzzle has a naked tip.
-Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision (Streier 2000). Lemurs depend quite heavily on the sense of smell and have large nasal cavities and moist noses (Steier).
+Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision (Strier). Lemurs depend quite heavily on the sense of smell and have large nasal cavities and moist noses (Strier).
-Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a [[Matriarchy|Matriarchal]] society (i.e. females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the ring-tailed lemur (''Lemur catta''), which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.
+Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a [[Matriarchy|Matriarchal]] society (i.e. females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the ring-tailed lemur ''(Lemur catta),'' which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.
 ===Endangered species===
@@ Line 59: / Line 61: @@
 As shown here, the four families of lemurs are split into two superfamilies. The [[Cheirogaleidae]] have a pedal structure, similar to the other [[strepsirrhine]] families and the [[haplorrhine]]s, suggesting they split off from the other lemurs first. As such, the Cheirogaleoidea are a sister [[clade]] to the Lemuroidea.
-* ORDER [[primate|PRIMATES]]<ref name=MSW/>
+* ORDER [[primate|PRIMATES]]
 ** Suborder [[Strepsirrhini]]: non-tarsier prosimians
 *** '''Infraorder Lemuriformes'''
@@ Line 83: / Line 85: @@
 Image:Lemur AH.jpg|Ring-tailed lemur at San Diego Wild Animal Park
 </gallery>
-==Notes==
-<references/>
 ==References==
-* Andriaholinirina, N., J. Fausser, C., Roos, Y. Rumpler, et al. 2006. Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (''Lepilemur'', Primates). ''BMC Evolutionary Biology'' 6: 17.
+* Andriaholinirina, N., J. Fausser, C., Roos, Y. Rumpler, et al. 2006. "Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (''Lepilemur,'' Primates)." ''BMC Evolutionary Biology'' 6: 17.
-* Glander, K. 2006. [http://www.pbs.org/edens/madagascar/creature2.htm What's a lemur?]. ''PBS''. Retrieved April 19, 2006.
+* Glander, K. 2006. [http://www.pbs.org/edens/madagascar/creature2.htm What's a lemur?]. ''PBS.'' Retrieved April 19, 2006.
 * Louis, E. E., S. E. Engberg, R. Lei, H. Geng, J. A. Sommer, R. Randriamampionona, J. C. Randriamanana, J. R. Zaonarivelo, R. Andriantompohavana, G. Randria, Prosper, B. Ramaromilanto, G. Rakotoarisoa, A. Rooney, and R. A. Brenneman. 2006. [http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/publications/opapers/specpubs/SP49.pdf Molecular and morphological analyses of the sportive lemurs (Family Megaladapidae: Genus ''Lepilemur'') reveals 11 previously unrecognized species]. ''Texas Tech University Special Publications'' 49: 1-49. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
@@ Line 97: / Line 96: @@
 * Mittermeier, R. A., W. R. Konstant, F. Hawkins, E. E. Louis, and O. Langrand. 2006. [http://www.madagascar-library.com/r/544.html ''Lemurs of Madagascar''], 2nd edition. Conservation International. Retrieved October 29, 2006.
-* Olivieria, G., E. Zimmermannb, B. Randrianambininab, S. Rassoloharijaonab, D. Rakotondravonyb, K. Guschanskia, and U. Radespiela. 2006. [http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:17197200 The ever-increasing diversity in mouse lemurs: Three new species in north and northwestern Madagascar]. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' November 7, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2007
+* Olivieria, G., E. Zimmermann, B. Randrianambininab, S. Rassoloharijaonab, D. Rakotondravonyb, K. Guschanskia, and U. Radespiela. 2006. [http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:17197200 The ever-increasing diversity in mouse lemurs: Three new species in north and northwestern Madagascar]. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' November 7, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2007
-* Strier, K. B. 2000. ''Primate Behavioral Ecology''. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0205200192.
+* Strier, K. B. 2000. ''Primate Behavioral Ecology.'' Boston: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0205200192
 ==External links==
-*[http://lemur.duke.edu/ Duke University Lemur Center]  Lots of photographs, information, and research programs. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
+All links retrieved October 25, 2022.
-*[http://www.madagascar-library.com/c/Fauna/Madagascar/Mammals/Lemurs.html List of Books about Lemurs]. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
+*[http://lemur.duke.edu/ Duke University Lemur Center] Photographs, information, and research programs.
-*[http://www.bushhouse-madagascar.com/lemurs.html  Lemurs of the East Coast of Madagascar]. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
+*[http://www.madagascar-library.com/c/Fauna/Madagascar/Mammals/Lemurs.html Books about Lemurs].
-*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4135670.stm  New lemurs found in Madagascar]. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
+*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4135670.stm  New lemurs found in Madagascar].
-*[http://www.wildmadagascar.org/wildlife/lemurs.html  Lemurs of Madagascar]. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
+*[http://www.wildmadagascar.org/wildlife/lemurs.html  Lemurs of Madagascar].
-*[http://www.tc.umn.edu/~mart1152/ Read about Red-ruffed and White-fronted brown lemur research]. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
 [[Category:Life sciences]]
+[[Category:Animals]]
+[[Category:Mammals]]
+[[Category:Primates]]
 {{credit|150878494}}