Palaeopropithecus ingens


TAXONOMY:

MORPHOLOGY:
Palaeopropithecus ingens had lower incisors which were small and vertical (Fleagle, 1988). The lower incisors of this species were spatulate (Martin, 1990). This species had a dental formula of 2:1:2:3 on the upper jaw and 2:0:2:3 on the lower jaw (Martin, 1990). The molars of this species were narrow and had well-developed shearing crests (Fleagle, 1988). This species had a relatively robust skull and a relatively longer snout as compared to extant indriids (Fleagle, 1988). A mandibular symphysis was present in this species (Martin, 1990). This species had a tubular meatus which extended laterally from the tympanic ring which differs from extant indriids (Fleagle, 1988). The forelimbs of this species were longer than the hindlimbs which is in opposition to extant indriids which have long hindlimbs (Fleagle, 1988). On the manus the pollex was short and the phalanges were long and curved (Fleagle, 1988). This species had an intermembral index of 138 (Fleagle, 1988).

RANGE:
Palaeopropithecus ingens was found on the island of Madagascar (Fleagle, 1988).

DIET:
Based upon dental morphology this was a folivorous species (Fleagle, 1988).

LOCOMOTION:
Based upon postcranial remains this species was a terrestrial quadruped (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 15, 2001

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