OMOMYIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Omomyidae is a taxonomic family of extinct primates that belonged to the order Primates and the suborder Strepsirrhini. They were small, arboreal mammals that lived during the Eocene epoch, approximately 55 to 34 million years ago.
The name Omomyidae is derived from the Greek words "omos" meaning "shoulder" and "myi" meaning "monkey." This refers to the fact that their remains were first discovered near the collarbone of another fossil primate.
Members of the Omomyidae family were characterized by their small size, with body lengths ranging from a few centimeters to around 15 centimeters. They had large eye sockets, indicating good visual capabilities, and the presence of forward-facing eyes suggests they possessed stereoscopic vision. This adaptation likely helped them navigate the trees as they leaped and climbed through the dense forests they inhabited. They had sharp teeth that were adapted for an insectivorous or frugivorous diet.
Omomyidae is considered an important group in the evolutionary history of primates as they are thought to be among the earliest primates to develop adaptations for an arboreal lifestyle. They are believed to have given rise to the tarsiers and the anthropoids, which include monkeys and apes. The discovery and study of omomyids provide valuable insights into the evolution and diversification of primates during the Eocene period.
Etymology of OMOMYIDAE
The word "Omomyidae" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "omos" meaning "shoulder" and "myi" meaning "mosquito". The term was coined by the American paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope in 1871 to describe a family of extinct primates. The name was chosen because the clavicles (collar bones) of these primates were thought to resemble the shape of a mosquito.
