The Real Paleo Diet....of Primates

Lemurs are found in Madagascar and have been the sole primates in Madagascar for approximately 65 million years. During this time lemurs have come to occupy all areas of Madagascar. From the Rain forest to the wetlands, and form the grasslands to the forest, lemurs have adapted well to all environments of Madagascar. The diet of the lemur is highly variable; they are known to eat fruit, insects, plants and will sometimes eat small animals. Lemurs have adapted to their environment by developing a complex social structure, very good night vision, and a low metabolic rate. The low metabolic rate assists the lemurs in surviving when food is scarce during dry seasons.

Spider monkeys are found in tropical areas of South America, and require a large area to roam. Spider monkeys are omnivores that have a social structure in which they often pick a female as their leader when foraging for food, primarily fruit. Spider monkeys have adapted to their environment by having a mouth that can open wide enough to swallow most fruits whole. By swallowing the fruits whole, the spider monkeys food foraging time is reduced.

 

Baboons are found primarily in the savannas and semi-arid areas of Central Africa. There is not always an abundance of food in these areas; baboons are omnivores who can opportunistically eat whatever comes their way. Baboons separate and forage for food that may include fruit, grass, seeds, bark, roots, and sometimes even small animals such as rodents and birds during the day. After a long day of finding food, baboons gather into groups at night. Baboons have adapted to their environment by being able to eat and digest a diverse amount of potential food, but they are also selective and prefer to eat items that are higher in protein and fats.

                Gibbons are found in the dense forest s and jungles of India and Indonesia. Gibbons are also omnivores who mainly eat fruit, eggs, and insects. Gibbons have adapted to their environment through their long arms and light bodies which make it easier to climb trees to find food. Gibbons also live in groups which have a complex social structure with an alpha male and female.

 

Chimpanzees are found in the tropical forests and woody savannas of western and Central Africa. They are omnivores who will eat fruit, seeds, insects and sometimes small animals. Chimpanzees have adapted to their environment through their complex social structure and their highly dexterous hands. Chimpanzees are able to and often do use and make tools to assist them in gathering food. A good example of this is that they will often crush the shells of nuts with stones to access the food inside.

                All of these categories of primates are omnivores with complex social structures. Some are specifically adapted to their environment, while others need only rely on their social structure to survive and thrive. It is my opinion that it is their ability to eat and digest a wide variety of potential foods that allows them to adapt to changes in their environment and the occasional shortage of available food. Also, all of these categories possess a complex social structure that allows them to work together to find food.