Lemurs in Madagascar

Lemurs in Madagascar

SCI/ 275

March 16, 2014

Peter Kennedy

Lemurs in Madagascar

1.) What are Madagascar’s biomes? Discuss the latest features of at least one of these biomes.

Using the world’s terrestrial map in Wiley Plus, Madagascar’s biomes includes; tropical rain forest, tropical dry forest, and desert. Madagascar is largely made up of the tropical rain forest biome. Its features include warm weather throughout the year with rainfall occurring almost daily. In the rainforest, human population growth and industrial expansion threatens its survival.

2.) What changes happening in Madagascar are posing challenges for lemurs? Provide details about the sources, time scale, and type of change.

The changes that are happening in Madagascar that poses a challenge for lemurs, are the rapid environmental changes caused by humans. Deforestation of the rain forest disrupts the eco- system. As a result, the changes are occurring at a rapid pace, faster than the resources can replenish themselves.

3.) Which types of lemurs are adapting to the changes? Which types of lemurs are not adapting well? Why?

The type of lemur that is adapting to change is the ring- tailed lemur. The ring- tailed lemur is able to adjust because of its ability to adjust to secondary habitats. On the hand, bamboo lemurs are not adjusting well to the changes. They thrive on eating the bamboo found in the forest. Once the bamboo are depleted, they will not be able to survive.

4.) What behavioral and physical traits are being favored in lemurs in the changes Madagascar environment?

Lemurs are nocturnal primates characterized by its small body, long nose, and large eyes. Lemurs do not have much competition or predation and they share some of the same social and behavioral characteristics as monkeys, such as forming social groups, eating fruit and vegetation, and being active during the day. Unlike their counterparts, lemurs are very vocal, making a range sounds that...