Re: Bipedal Lemur

Harry Erwin (herwin@gmu.edu)
Mon, 14 Aug 1995 21:40:01 -0400

In article <260949487wnr@kentroad.demon.co.uk>, David@kentroad.demon.co.uk
wrote:

> I have just seen a program on BBC television (about the Rift in Africa)
> which shows a large lemur in Madagascar bounding along upright on two
> feet. These lemurs apparently stand upright on branches. Does anyone
> know which species of lemur it was?

Doesn't much matter--most lemurs are 'vertical clingers and leapers' and
are hence bipedal. This has been the case since the eocene, when Cantius
(the earliest Adapid) was in that category.

>
> Could this be an indication of how Apiths first ventured out of the
> forests?

Not quite. Our adaptations are more those of a brachiator. Their tail is
used by lemurs in controlling their leaps.

>
> Any thoughts, Elaine?
>
> -- David Chan

-- 
Harry Erwin
Internet: herwin@gmu.edu
Home Page: http://osf1.gmu.edu/~herwin (try again if necessary)
PhD student in comp neurosci: "Glitches happen" & "Meaning is emotional"