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The secrets of lemur teeth

2006; Wiley; Volume: 15; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/evan.20102

1520-6505

Laurie R. Godfrey, Gary T. Schwartz, Karen E. Samonds, William L. Jungers, Kierstin K. Catlett,

Evolution and Paleontology Studies

New tools are available for teasing out aspects of life-history variation among extinct species. Here we summarize research on the life histories of the extinct lemurs of Madagascar. There is a wide range of variation in dental developmental timing among these species, from among the most accelerated (Palaeopropithecus) to among the most prolonged (Hadropithecus) within the Order Primates. Rather than reflecting variation in body size, this diversity appears to relate to niche characteristics and encephalization.