Prosimians | Types of Prosimians | Lemurs | Tarsiers

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Types of Prosimians: Prosimians are a grouping of primates that is currently made up of the species (both living and extinct) of two main taxonomic categories: the Strepsirrhini suborder (which includes galagos, lemurs, loris, and more) and the Tarsiiformes infraorder (which is made up of tarsiers).

Prosimians’ counterpart is Simians, a group that includes all other primate species (e.g., monkeys, apes, humans). The term “Prosimian” means “pre-monkey” in Latin, which refers to the fact that the species of this grouping are generally more primitive than the Simians.

It is important to note that traditionally, the Prosimians and Simians were separated into two suborders within the Primates order: Prosimian species made up the Prosimii suborder, while Simian species made up the Anthropoidea suborder.

However, upon further research, biologists found that tarsiers, considered Prosimians, are more closely related to Simians; many taxonomists believed that the taxonomic classification of the two suborders had to be revamped entirely to account for this discovery.

As a result, under the more modern classification, tarsiers are put under the Haplorhini suborder (as are Simians), while the other Prosimians are put under the Strepsirrhini suborder.

Due to these taxonomic changes, the term “Prosimian” is not in circulation as often as before; regardless, it can still be used to describe all the “non-Simian” primates collectively.

Although the grouping known as “Prosimians” is vast and contains many different kinds of species, they do share common characteristics. Below is a concise list that details some of these characteristics:

Active Times
Most Prosimians are nocturnal, meaning they rest during the day and are active throughout the night. However, it should be noted that some lemur species are diurnal (active during the day), crepuscular (active during dusk and dawn), and cathemeral (active at irregular intervals) or don’t follow a specific schedule.
Brain
On average, the brains of Prosimian species are smaller (relative to body weight) than the brains of Simian species; this is one of the reasons why Prosimians are considered to be more primitive than the Simians. It should also be noted that a Prosimian’s brain is more dedicated to smell than eyesight.
Biological Risk to Humans
From an evolutionary standpoint, Prosimians are the primate species least related to humans. As such, the risk of diseases being transmitted from them to us is extremely low; transmission between humans and other types of primates (e.g., monkeys, apes) is much more likely.
Eyes & Sight
The eyes of Prosimians are typically quite large (compared to their overall body size). Their eyes are usually also well suited for night vision due to a tapetal layer in their retinas. However, they are not very adept at seeing and differentiating colors as their vision is dichromatic.
Habitat/Distribution
For the most part, Prosimians are arboreal, meaning that they primarily reside in trees (typically in forested areas). They are mainly found on the island of Madagascar, though certain species reside throughout the rest of Africa and Asia.
Limbs
Prosimian species have evolved to have strong hands and feet that can firmly grasp tree branches (as a way to move around). Unlike Simians, Prosimians also possess an extra claw on one of the toes of their hind feet (two in the case of tarsiers) that is utilized for grooming (it is widely known as a “grooming claw“). However, it should be noted that all their other digits have regular nails (rather than claws).
Snout & Smell
Prosimians generally have a longer snout than Simian species. They also have a much better sense of smell; in fact, they regularly depend on it to tell apart different animals in their group and identify foods that are safe to eat.
Teeth
Most species of Prosimians, at their fully-grown state, possess about 36 teeth. Their lower teeth, in particular, are slanted almost entirely horizontally, making them beneficial to groom and feed.

Prosimian Families

As mentioned earlier, the taxonomy of Prosimians has changed over time; this list of families will pertain to the newer classification system as it is more relevant in the modern day.

Note that a few extinct primate species classified as Prosimians do not fall under any taxonomic family. Due to these factors, the list below ultimately cannot be seen as exhaustive coverage of every type of Prosimian.

Extinct Prosimian Families

Sivaladapidae
Sivaladapidae is an ancient family of extinct primates; their fossils suggest they lived during the Eocene–Miocene epochs (56 to 5.3 million years ago). Additionally, scientists believe that based on the found remains, certain species of this family were relatively large, potentially reaching a weight of around 8 pounds. It should also be noted that Sivaladapidae fossils have only ever been found in Asia (within countries such as China, India, Pakistan, and more).
Adapidae
Adapidae is an extinct family of early primates living mainly during the Eocene (55.8 to 33.9 million years ago). Many scientists believe that the species of the Adapidae family were anatomically similar to the loris and lemurs of the modern day. The remains of these species (many of which are teeth fragments) were primarily found throughout North America and Europe.
Archaeolemuridae
Archaeolemuridae is a family of extinct primates currently composed of 2 genera and 3 species; collectively, these animals are often referred to as “monkey lemurs“. Like most modern-day lemurs, the species of Archaeolemuridae were endemic to the island of Madagascar. Interestingly, analyses of monkey lemur show that while they had skulls that are relatively similar to those of the species of the living Indriidate family, their dentition is entirely different.
Archicebidae
Archicebidae is an extinct primate family of just 1 genus and 1 species, known as “Archicebus achilles“. At the time of its discovery, it was the oldest primate fossil ever to be uncovered, dating back to about 55 million years ago (during the Eocene epoch). Found in what is now the Hubei province of China, this primate is believed to have had good vision (based on its large eye sockets) and a diet primarily consisting of insects (due to its small, sharp teeth).
Notharctidae
Notharctidae is an extinct family of primates that roamed the Earth during the Eocene epoch (about 55 to 34 million years ago). Scientists believe that the primates of this family were medium-sized (around 1 to 2 kilograms) near the beginning of the epoch; however, as time passed, they evolved to become much larger (around 8 kilograms). Some of the species of this family were among the first euprimates to come to North America.
Palaeopropithecidae
Palaeopropithecidae is a family of extinct primates comprised of 4 genera and around 8 distinct species; collectively, these animals are often called “sloth lemurs”. The closest living relative to this family is Indriidae; the two species are alike in their dental patterns, cranial bone structure, and other anatomical features. It should also be noted that scientists believe the species of Palaeopropithecidae lived on a mixed diet (e.g., fruits, seeds, leaves, etc.) similar to the diet of Indriidae species.
Megaladapidae
Megaladapidae is an extinct family of lemurs that consists of 1 genus and 3 species; collectively, they are sometimes referred to as “koala lemurs”. Endemic to the island of Madagascar, the remains of these primates indicate that they were pretty large—about the size of an average gorilla—and that they only went extinct a few hundred years ago (which means that they coexisted with humans for a particular point in time). All of the species of this family were herbivores; their diets were primarily made up of leaves and seeds.
Ekgmowechashalidae
Ekgmowechashalidae is a family of extinct primates comprising 4 genera and 4 species. The remains of these ancient animals have been found in the United States, Thailand, China, as well as other countries across the globe; they date back to 33.6 to 26.3 million years ago. It should also be noted that the species of this family were adept at climbing and that their diets were mainly made up of insects.
Azibiidae
Azibiidae is a small family of extinct primates of just 2 genera and 2 species. These forest-dwelling Prosimians lived in northern Africa during the Eocene (56 to 33.9 million years ago). It is also worth mentioning that the remains of the species of this family suggest that they were all omnivorous.
Omomyidae
Omomyidae is a sizeable taxonomic family of tiny, tarsier-like primates roaming the Earth during the Eocene epoch. Due to these species’ many dental and cranial similarities to the tarsiers of the modern day, many experts classify Omomyidae under the Haplorhini suborder. Interestingly, the remains of this family show that they were one of the first groups to possess a grooming claw.
Djebelemuridae
Djebelemuridae is an extinct family of primates that lived in North Africa during the Eocene epoch. Traditionally, this family only has 1 genus and 1 species within it; however, many experts believe that the ‘Anchomomys‘ milleri species should also fall under this family since it is no longer thought to be a part of the Anchomomys genus. Nevertheless, this species has not been given an official new name, which is why the first term of its binomial name is in single quotes.

Living Prosimian Families

Cheirogaleidae
Cheirogaleidae is a family of primates with 5 genera and 21 species of dwarf and mouse lemurs. These species are known to be the world’s smallest primates, usually only 12–27 centimeters long. Like many other lemurs, the Cheirogaleidae family’s species are endemic to the island of Madagascar; they typically can only be found in forested regions of the country.
Indriidae
Indriidae is a family of primates that includes 3 genera and 18 species of lemurs. Known to be herbivorous, these species reside in the tropical forests of Madagascar exclusively. Unfortunately, all of the Indriidae primates are threatened by the IUCN, with an overwhelming majority of them put under the categories of “Endangered” or “Critically Endangered”.
Lemuridae
Lemuridae is a primate family comprising 5 genera and 21 species; they can only be found in the forests of Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. Anatomically, these species possess relatively long limbs and soft tufts of fur on their ears. It should also be noted that the ring-tailed lemur, possibly the most easily recognizable lemur species, is taxonomically classified under Lemuridae (the only member of the Lemur genus).
Lepilemuridae
Lepilemuridae is a family of sportive lemurs with just 1 genus of 24 species; they are all endemic to Madagascar. These nocturnal primates are herbivores, with their diets primarily consisting of leaves, flowers, and fruit. Unfortunately, many of the species of Lepilemuridae are facing endangerment due to excessive hunting and habitat loss.
Daubentoniidae
Daubentoniidae is a primate family of just 1 genus and 1 living species: the aye-aye. This species is known to be an omnivore, with its diet typically consisting of insect larvae, eggs, and fruits. It is worth noting that there is an extinct species known as the “giant aye-aye” that is also classified under the Daubentoniidae family; its fossils suggest that its weight was about 2.5 to 5 times greater than the weight of an average aye aye.
Galagidae
Galagidae is a family of primates that is comprised of 6 genera and 19 living species; collectively, these animals are commonly referred to as “galagos“, “bushbabies” or “nagapies“. Compared to other species within the Lorisoidea superfamily, the Galagos are unique in that their hindlegs are much longer than their forelegs and are much lighter in average body weight. It is also worth noting that the species of Galagidae are known to rapidly jump from tree to tree, making leaps almost 40 feet in length.
Lorisidae
Lorisidae is a primate family comprising 4 genera and 15 species divided into three main types: loris, pottos, and angwantibos. Loris is typically found in the forests of Southeast Asia (in countries such as Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and more). On the other hand, pottos and angwantibos are spread across West Africa, primarily residing in the forests of Nigeria, the the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and other neighboring nations.
Tarsiidae
Tarsiidae is a family of primates known as “tarsiers“; it has 3 genera and 14 species. Despite being relatively tiny in terms of size (typically only weighing about 2.8 to 5.3 ounces), analyses of the tarsier genome found that from an evolutionary standpoint, these species are more closely related to monkeys, humans, and apes (the Simians) than they are to other Prosimians. It is also interesting to note that tarsiers are the only carnivorous primates; they feed on birds, lizards, insects, and other relatively small animals.

Types of Prosimians

Ahmanson’s Sportive Lemur

Species Name: Lepilemur ahmansonorum

Strictly nocturnal and primarily arboreal, Ahmanson's sportive lemurs move through the trees in long leaps, propelled by their powerful hind legs. Ahmanson's sportive lemurs are primarily solitary and defend their territory against invaders of the same sex.

Allen’s Galago

Species Name: Sciurocheirus alleni

Allen's Galago, also known as Allen's Bush Baby, is one of more than 20 species of small and attractive arboreal primates are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Allen's Galago has enormous eyes that help this species adapt to a nocturnal lifestyle.

Berthe’s Mouse Lemur

Species Name: Microcebus berthae

Weighing just over an ounce, Berthe's mouse lemur is the world's smallest primate. Endemic to dwindling western Madagascar forests, this nocturnal insectivore faces grave threats from deforestation and predation despite recent habitat protections. Learn surprising facts about its characteristics, behavior, endangered status, and the conservation efforts crucial to saving this tiny species.

Blue-Eyed Black Lemur

Species Name: Eulemur flavifrons

Discover the mysterious blue-eyed black lemur, a rare primate found only in the tropical forests of northwestern Madagascar. With striking blue eyes and mostly black fur, they are agile tree-dwellers feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects. Read about their lifestyle, endangered status, and the threats they face.

Crowned Lemur

Species Name: Eulemur coronatus

Learn about the endangered crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus) - this medium-sized rainforest-dwelling primate from N. Madagascar has dense black & white fur and a distinctive orange arrowhead crown marking on its forehead.

Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur

Species Name: Hapalemur griseus

The eastern lesser bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus) is a small, endangered rainforest primate found only in Madagascar. This unique species has adapted to specialize in a toxic bamboo diet other animals cannot consume. Yet habitat loss and hunting have left remaining populations highly vulnerable.

Golden Angwantibo

Species Name: Arctocebus aureus

The golden angwantibo is a strepsirrhine primate of the Lorisidae family. Bärenmaki, meaning "lemur bear," is the German name for the golden angwantibo due to its bear-like appearance. However, we see no resemblance.

Golden Bamboo Lemur

Species Name: Hapalemur aureus

Explore all about the magnificent yet critically endangered golden bamboo lemur of Madagascar. This unique primate depends almost entirely on giant bamboo for food and shelter. Read about their adaptations, ecology, reproduction, conservation efforts, and threats facing their fragile habitat.

Goodman’s Mouse Lemur

Species Name: Microcebus lehilahytsara

Explore the world of Goodman's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara), a unique Madagascar primate, revealing its survival strategies, social behaviors, and conservation needs.

Mongoose Lemur

Species Name: Eulemur mongoz

Learn about the endangered mongoose lemur (Eulemur mongoz), a small Madagascar primate with red beards and bushy tails. Get fascinating facts on their rainforest habits, unique behaviors, seed dispersal ecology, and major threats driving their worrying decline.

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BioExplorer.net. (2024, December 12). Prosimians. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/prosimians/.

BioExplorer.net. "Prosimians" Bio Explorer, 12 December 2024, https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/prosimians/.

BioExplorer.net. "Prosimians" Bio Explorer, December 12 2024. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/prosimians/.

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