Gliding Membrane:
* Patagium: The most striking adaptation is their large, thin membrane of skin called a patagium. It stretches from the neck, down the sides of the body, and connects to their wrists, ankles, and the tip of their tail. This membrane acts like a parachute, providing lift and allowing them to glide between trees.
Skeleton and Muscles:
* Elongated limbs: Their limbs are elongated and slender, particularly their forearms and hands, providing a large surface area for the patagium to attach.
* Flexible ribs: Their ribs are flexible and can expand outward during gliding, increasing the surface area of the patagium.
* Strong pectoral muscles: They have strong pectoral muscles that help them control the patagium and maneuver during gliding.
Other Adaptations:
* Large eyes: They have large, forward-facing eyes that provide excellent night vision, allowing them to navigate and hunt in the dark.
* Long tails: Their long tails act as rudders, helping them control their direction during glides.
* Specialized claws: They have specialized claws on their feet that allow them to cling to branches while gliding.
Behavior:
* Nocturnal: They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night, which allows them to avoid predators and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
* Arboreal: They are arboreal, meaning they live in trees and rarely come to the ground.
Ecological Role:
* Seed dispersers: They play an important role in seed dispersal, as they eat fruit and distribute seeds through their droppings.
* Prey: They are prey for predators like snakes, birds, and civets.
Overall, the combination of these adaptations allows flying lemurs to effectively glide through the air, navigate their forest environment, and find food at night.