Summary of "Tarsiers: Creepy Little Ninjas"
Key Concepts and Discoveries:
- Size and Habitat:
- Tarsiers are small primates, measuring 10 to 15 centimeters in length and weighing up to 150 grams.
- They are found in the jungles of the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, but their habitat has been significantly reduced due to deforestation.
- Species:
- There are eight species of Tarsiers, including the recently rediscovered pygmy tarsier, which weighs only 57 grams.
- Anatomy:
- Tarsiers have elongated tarsal bones (heel bones) and fingers, with the third finger being as long as their upper arm.
- They possess large eyes, measuring up to 16 millimeters in diameter, which are larger than their brains. Their eyes account for about 10% of their body length.
- Tarsiers have flexible necks that can rotate 180 degrees to help them look around.
- Vision and Hearing:
- Tarsiers have excellent night vision, although not as advanced as some other nocturnal mammals. They lack the reflective layer (tapetum lucidum) found in cats.
- They possess a fovea in their retina that enhances image quality, making them effective ambush hunters.
- Their large ears can move independently, allowing them to hear high-frequency sounds (up to 90 kilohertz) that are inaudible to humans.
- Diet and Behavior:
- Tarsiers are the only exclusively carnivorous primates, preying on insects, bats, lizards, and small birds.
- They are solitary creatures but may form mated pairs that occasionally interact.
- Reproduction:
- Tarsiers have a long gestation period of six months, resulting in well-developed offspring that can climb and jump shortly after birth.
Methodology:
- Hunting Technique:
- Tarsiers use their jumping ability to catch prey midair, capable of leaping up to 5 meters and covering distances up to 40 times their body length.
Featured Researchers/Sources:
- Daniel Defoe (narrator)
Category
Science and Nature
