LEMUROIDEA Meaning and
Definition
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Lemuroidea is a taxonomic superfamily of primates, commonly known as lemurs. It encompasses a diverse group of prosimian mammals that are native to the island of Madagascar and the Comoro Islands off the eastern coast of Africa. Lemuroidea is classified within the order Primates and the suborder Strepsirrhini, which includes the most ancient and primitive group of primates.
These small to medium-sized arboreal creatures are characterized by their large, round eyes, furry bodies, and long tails. Lemuroidea exhibits a wide range of adaptations and features, depending on the species, but they generally have sharp claw-like nails, a moist rhinarium (the area of bare skin surrounding the nostrils), and a strong sense of smell. They possess hindlimbs longer than their forelimbs, aiding in leaping, climbing, and arboreal locomotion.
Lemuroidea is known for its remarkable diversity, with over 100 recognized species to date. They occupy various ecological niches within the rainforests, dry forests, and coastal regions of Madagascar, exhibiting a wide array of behaviors, diets, and social structures. Many lemurs are highly specialized for feeding on specific foods such as fruits, leaves, nectar, insects, or tree gum.
Due to habitat destruction, hunting, and other human-related activities, lemurs are currently among the most endangered group of mammals worldwide. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these primates and their unique ecosystems, as they play integral roles in seed dispersal, pollination, and maintaining the overall health and balance of Madagascar's biodiversity.
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A suborder of Primates, including the small monkey-like animals, the lemurs; same as Prosimiae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEMUROIDEA
- kemuroidea
- pemuroidea
- oemuroidea
- lwmuroidea
- lsmuroidea
- ldmuroidea
- lrmuroidea
- l4muroidea
- l3muroidea
- lenuroidea
- lekuroidea
- lejuroidea
- lemyroidea
- lemhroidea
- lemjroidea
- lemiroidea
- lem8roidea
- lem7roidea
- lemueoidea
- lemufoidea
Etymology of LEMUROIDEA
The word "lemuroidea" is derived from two components: "lemur" and "oides".
The term "lemur" stems from the Latin word "lemures", which referred to spirits or ghosts in Roman mythology. However, when Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist and zoologist, introduced the term "lemur" in the 18th century, he used it to describe a group of primates found in Madagascar. This choice of name was likely due to the nocturnal habits and elusive nature of these animals, which reminded him of the supernatural creatures from Roman folklore.
The suffix "-oides" is derived from the Greek word "eidos", meaning "resembling" or "having the form of". It is commonly used in scientific taxonomy to indicate that a particular organism or group is similar in form or structure to another.
Similar spelling word for LEMUROIDEA
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