Leptadapis magnus


TAXONOMY:

MORPHOLOGY:
Leptadapis magnus has a dental formula of 2:1:4:3 on both the upper and lower jaw (Fleagle, 1988). Based upon cranial and canine size this species may have exhibited sexual dimorphism (Fleagle, 1988). The canines of the lower jaw were well-developed for this species (Martin, 1990). This species had an average body mass of 4 kilograms (Fleagle, 1988). This species may have been diurnal (Fleagle, 1988). The molars had high shearing crests (Fleagle, 1988).

RANGE:
Leptadapis magnus was found in Europe and occurred during the late Eocene to the early Oligocene (Fleagle, 1988).

DIET:
Based on dental morphology, the high shearing crests of the molars, this species most likely had a folivorous diet (Fleagle, 1988).

LOCOMOTION:
Leptadapis magnus moved by quadrupedal climbing (Fleagle, 1988).

REFERENCES:
Fleagle, J.G. 1988. Primate Adaptation and Evolution. Academic Press: New York.

Martin, R.D. 1990. Primate Origins and Evolution: A Phylogenetic Reconstruction. Princeton University Press: Princeton, New Jersey.

Last updated: November 16, 2001

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