Size and Weight:
* Baboons: Larger, with males typically weighing between 35-70 pounds and females 20-35 pounds.
* Lemurs: Smaller, ranging from the mouse lemur weighing only 30 grams to the indri weighing up to 10 pounds.
Social Structure:
* Baboons: Highly social, living in complex, multi-level hierarchies with large troops of up to 200 individuals.
* Lemurs: Can be solitary, live in small family groups, or form larger troops, but their social structures are generally less complex than baboons.
Diet:
* Baboons: Primarily omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, leaves, grasses, insects, small animals, and even carrion.
* Lemurs: Mostly frugivorous (fruit eaters), but some species also eat leaves, flowers, insects, and even small vertebrates.
Physical Features:
* Baboons: Distinctive long snout, prominent canine teeth, and thick fur with a mane on males.
* Lemurs: Have a variety of appearances, including some with long, fluffy tails, while others have short, stubby tails. Some have a distinct "wet" nose, while others have a more dry, dog-like nose.
Distribution:
* Baboons: Found in Africa, from the savannahs to the forests.
* Lemurs: Exclusively found on the island of Madagascar.
Behavior:
* Baboons: Known for their intelligence and complex social interactions, including grooming, playing, and territorial disputes. They are also known for their strong maternal bonds.
* Lemurs: Display a variety of behaviors depending on the species, including some that are nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular. Some are highly vocal, while others communicate through scents.
Evolutionary History:
* Baboons: Belong to the Old World monkey family (Cercopithecidae), closely related to macaques and other monkeys.
* Lemurs: Belong to the primate family Lemuridae, which is endemic to Madagascar.
Other Differences:
* Baboons: Do not have a prehensile tail (one that can grasp).
* Lemurs: Many species have prehensile tails, which they use for balance and movement through the trees.
Important Note: It's essential to remember that both baboons and lemurs are diverse groups, with many variations within each species.