Researchers identified two small primates that looked like lemurs. The fossils of ancient primates in the Eocene can expand the knowledge about the early omomyines .
Journal of Human Evolution published the study's findings. Early primates were first discovered in North America based on fossils, which can be found in parts of Eastern Asia.
Researchers unearthed the two earliest primates in North America, the adapoids and omomyoids. The discovery of new species can decipher the behavior and existence of other species.
Fossils discovered in Utah and Texas
Lemur. The latest report identified two new species of primates that looked like lemurs. The discovery of new primates in Texas and Utah can help understand the early primates during the Eocene.
According to the report, researchers identified two ancient primates. They found the fossils in West Texas (Tornillo Basin) and Utah (Uinta Basin). The species likely belonged to the omomyids species during the Eocene period.
Researchers identified the two new species with the fossils: Mytonius and Ourayia. The animal had almost the same appearance as lemurs, which are endemic in the said areas in the Tornillo Basin.
The study described the Uintain Ommyne species from the said areas. The discovery can also expand the knowledge about the other species:
- Ourayia uintensis
- Mytonius hopsoni
- Diablomomys dalquesti
The researchers also noted that only a few species have been finally identified in the parts of Utah and West Texas. They can also be found in Europe, Asia and North America.
Unlike other species, omomyids are known for their small bodies. They look like lemurs or tarsiers. The species managed to survive in different continents 37 or 56 million years ago.
Omomyids can be recognizable by their typical features: large hands and elongated boots. During the middle Eocene, the animals evolved in their body masses of the usual 500 grams.
According to a professor of Anthropology, Chris Kirk, paleontological discoveries are essential, especially the discovery of the Texas primates. The fossil records can help to fill the gaps in the said animals. Kirk is also the study's first author from the University of Texas.
Other researchers are from the Des Moines University in Iowa and Midwestern University in Arizona.
The increasing studies can help to unravel species unknown to science. Discoveries of new species or animals can help protect them from population decline amidst the threat of climate change and habitat loss.
Facts about the lemurs
Lemurs are recognized as unique primates. They can live up to 16 years. In terms of size, they can reach from 24 to 35 inches. Their name originates from the Latin word lemurs, which leans spirits of the dead.
Lemurs have their unique qualities. Reports showed that the blue-eyed black lemur has captivating blue eyes. The small animal can be seen in tree branches.
In Madagascar, the species of lemurs is in decline due to habitat loss and the emergence of invasive species.
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