Lemurs are small primates that can only found on the island of Madagascar and a few surrounding islands. This limited adaptive radiation is believed to be limited by the unpredictable environment of these islands.  Several sub-species of lemurs exist today, but as a whole, lemurs are primarily vegetarian and eat a variety of fruits, leaves, flowers, vegetables and insects. Some species are omnivores and commonly consume insects, eggs, frogs, and lizards as well as plants, and they rely on their sense of smell more than monkeys do. Some sub-species of lemurs have developed physical adaptations that affect their diet, or dietary adaptations that affect their other abilities. For example, Giant bamboo contains cyanide, which can kill humans if they eat it, yet a lemur’s digestive system has adapted to be able to process this, as it is one of their primary sources of nutrition.  Another adaptation related to lemur diet is the extended length of the middle finger on the “aye aye” lemur, which eats insect larvae.  The aye aye taps on the tree bark and listens for signs of panicked insects within, ripping the bark away and using his long finger to search and capture small insects within.

Spider Monkeys live in tropical climates ranging from the forests of South America and as far north as Mexico.  They are arboreal, or tree dwellers,  and their diet is more specifically identified as “fruigivorous” vs. omnivorous because the majority of their food intake consists of mostly fruits and seeds, although they are fond of insects and bird eggs as well. Most interesting is that they eat on the go, while climbing or hanging in trees, but always on the move!  The size of their groups is also very dependent upon availability of food-the more abundant the food supply, the larger the group becomes.

Baboons are found in almost every habitat across Africa, including the savannah, the desert, and the mountains.  Baboon diets include a fruit, flowers, seeds, pods, leaves, gum, and almost any small animal that they can catch. Their ability to adapt to their environment is very strong-they seem to have all the makings of a strong species.  Baboons are omnivorous and opportunistic in their feeding, which means they will eat almost anything and will change their diet as the environment around them changes. Baboons are very flexible within their diets, but they are also highly selective in their food choices,  choosing foods that are high in protein and lipids and low in fiber and potential toxins.

The gibbon is a small sized ape that resides in the jungles and tropical rainforests across south-east Asia. The main food of the gibbon is ripe, locally grown fruit fresh off the trees.  This makes up around three quarters of the gibbon's diet. Gibbons also prey on insects, eggs, spiders and small birds and reptiles living in the tree. It is advantageous for the gibbon to live in the trees, because not only is there plenty of food but is also a safe distance above ground from predators.

The Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the study, preservation, and propagation of gibbons, and to education of the public about them.  We do this by establishing secure captive gene pools in case attempts to preserve species or subspecies in the wild fail.  We strongly support the conservation of gibbons in their natural habitat.  We have the largest group of gibbons in the Americas, including six of the 15 extant species, and have reproduced six gibbon species (white-cheeked, Javan, lar, agile, pileated, and siamang).Admission to the Gibbon Conservation Center (all of which goes directly to support the gibbons) is as follows: •Adults/College Students:  $10.00 per person . I’m planning on taking my son over to the Gibbon Center…There will be a 45 minute tour on Sunday, March 4^th at 10:00 AM for those of you who would like to meet up. 19100 Esguerra Road Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (661) 296-2737

Chimpanzees are found throughout the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. Their habitat is extremely variable, and includes tropical forests, open grassland, mountainous regions and deciduous woodland. These primates are mostly found in areas with lots of fruit bearing trees. The major part of chimpanzee diet includes fruits and leaves. They also feed on animal prey that includes insects like ants and termites that live within the tree bark around them. Bigger animals are hunted occasionally.

The extensive analysis we completed, analyzing different traits across a set of similar species, plays a huge role in my understanding the adaptation that occurs (or does not occur) within a species as a result of environmental pressures and their force as related to specific traits. I hope that at least some of you are able to join me at the Gibbon Center on Sunday morning!