CHAPTER IV 



ON THE GENERAL ANATOMY OF THE PRIMATES 



I. Lemuroidea. 



In the chapter dealing with the subdivisions of the Order 

 Primates, the characters which have proved of taxonomic value 

 in distinguishing the Sub-order Lemuroidea were enumerated. 

 The following account provides a few additional facts descriptive 

 of the anatomy of such a representative of the Sub-order, as for 

 example Lemur mongoz (seu fuscus 1 ). 



The selection of a really typical form of Lemur is not altogether 

 easy, owing to the variability in size and dimensions met with 

 among these animals. An enquiry into the general natural history 

 of the Lemurs will lead quickly to the conclusion that the Sub- 

 order (Lemuroidea) includes examples of specialization carried 

 out in several directions and to very different degrees. In point 

 of size, the Lemurs can shew a range of forms from the rat-like 

 Chirogale (or Mouse-Lemur) to the Indris (relatively a giant type), 

 which is comparable to a large terrier. Adaptation to environ- 

 ment differs: thus we may contrast the more purely arboreal 

 forms (which predominate) with others found on rocky and almost 

 treeless plains (Lemur catta). The length of the tail is another 

 very variable feature. Some Lemurs (such as the Galagos) can 

 progress in the bipedal fashion of a Jerboa or Kangaroo, i.e. by 

 leaps, while the large Indris assumes and maintains the erect 

 attitude without difficulty-. The colour of the furry coat provides 

 the most striking contrasts ; in some instances wide variations 

 occur within the limits of a single species. There are nocturnal 



1 Cf. Forsyth Major, P. Z. S. 1901, March 19. 



- Flacourt (quoted by Hubrecht) asserted this also of Propithecus. 



