Creationest College and Academy of Sciences
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Lemurs Are Unique

by Owen Borville
​June 27, 2020
​Biology
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Lemurs are unique animals classified with primates but are neither ape or monkey. Lemurs are only found on the island of Madagascar, which makes them even more unique and are threatened from human activities.

Lemurs commonly stay in the trees and eat fruits and other plants, including leaves, flowers, nectar, tree bark, and sap. Some lemurs will eat insects and small animals.

The varieties of lemurs range from 2.5 inches to 2.5 feet tall. Some extinct varieties of lemur were as large as gorillas but largest current lemur is the indri.

Scientists believe that lemurs travelled to Madagascar by way of vegetative rafts, but a more likely explanation is that they were introduced to the islands by humans. Lemurs are also found on the Comoro Islands just north of Madagascar.

Lemurs likely once lived in Asia and Africa, but the numerous predators in these areas likely made existence difficult. Lemur fossils have been found in the African mainland and Asian fossils of likely lemur ancestors have been found.

Lemurs are one of the world's largest pollinators. Pollen gets on their fur as they look for fruits and nectar and these plants get pollinated. The travelers palm tree depends entirely on the lemur for pollination in addition to other tree varieties. Lemurs use their hands to pull open the tough flower bracts. They stick their long snouts and tongues deep inside a tree's flower. As a result, they collect pollen on their muzzle and fur, and then transport it to the next flower. The resulting fruits are a major source of food. It appears that no other animal has the strength and nimbleness to pollinate the palm.

Their social groups are run by females, according to scientists who have observed lemurs for long periods of time. Female dominance is rare in mammals, as most mammal varieties are dominated by males. This female dominance includes aggressive behavior towards males.

Lemurs are known for singing noises, particularly the Indri lemur are known for singing in groups and is a method of communication of lemurs. Some lemurs will sing in sync.

Lemurs communicate with each other using signals, laughs, cries, and a variety of sounds to send a message depending on the type of emotion.

Lemurs are the most endangered mammals on Earth. Human activities are causing the loss of lemur habitat and the death of lemur individuals.
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