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Describe the characteristics of Tarsiers (Infraorder Tarsiiformes). Which tarsier traits resemble strepsirrhines, and which resemble haplorrhines?

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Tarsiers (Infraorder Tarsiiformes) are small primates found primarily in Southeast Asia. They are characterized by their large eyes, which are fixed in their skull, and their long hind limbs, which are adapted for leaping. They have a grooming claw on the second toe of their foot, and their dental formula is also unique among primates. Tarsiers are nocturnal and carnivorous, feeding primarily on insects, and they have a keen sense of hearing.

In terms of their traits, tarsiers share characteristics with both strepsirrhines (lemurs, lorises) and haplorrhines (monkeys, apes, humans).

Like strepsirrhines, tarsiers have a grooming claw on the second toe of their foot, and they also share the characteristic of being nocturnal. However, unlike most strepsirrhines, tarsiers do not have a wet nose (rhinarium).

On the other hand, like haplorrhines, tarsiers lack a wet nose and they also share a similar dental formula. Tarsiers also have a fully enclosed eye socket like haplorrhines, but unlike haplorrhines, their eyes are fixed in the skull.

In conclusion, tarsiers exhibit a mix of traits from both strepsirrhines and haplorrhines, making them a unique group of primates.

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