Nature | What is the smallest primate in the world?
Ask me a question: Do you know what primates are? You'd definitely say, 'Of course, I do,' right? It's the intelligent animals like humans, chimpanzees, and monkeys, isn't it? Yes, we humans are also a member of the primate family.
Now, let me test you with a slightly more difficult question: Do you know what the smallest primate in the world is? Don't worry if you don't, I'll introduce you to this animal today.
The smallest primate in the world is called the pygmy marmoset. It's a very, very small monkey. The pygmy marmoset's entire body length is about 20 centimeters, and the smallest one is only 10 centimeters long—shorter than a chopstick. In this length, its tail accounts for almost half, so its body looks even smaller.
(Pygmy marmoset)
(Pygmy marmoset)
The pygmy marmoset mainly lives in Madagascar. 'Lemur' means 'ghost' in the Malagasy language. The pygmy marmoset is named this way because, it likes to be active at night and also makes a very mournful sound, so the locals named it this name.
The pygmy marmoset is a very ancient animal. Its ancestors have been living in the forests of this place since 10 million years ago. However, now, due to the severe degradation of Madagascar's forests, the pygmy marmoset has lost a lot of habitat, and plus the hunting by people, the pygmy marmoset has become one of the most endangered vertebrate species in the world.
Now do you know? The smallest primate in the world is the pygmy marmoset, it's only as long as a chopstick.
Finally, I'll ask you one more question: What other animals are also primates? What do you think is the smartest among them? Welcome to share your answers in the comment section.
