What environmental factor likely drove the evolutionary advantage of the woolly monkey's thick, dense fur?
Answer
Insulation against the consistently damp and cool conditions of shaded habitats.
The dense, shaggy coat characteristic of the woolly monkey represents a significant physiological investment likely evolved in response to specific microclimates within their habitat. While many tropical primates benefit from sleek fur to dissipate heat, the thickness and fineness of the *Lagothrix* coat suggest an advantage in insulation. This insulation is particularly beneficial for protection against persistent heavy rainfall and the cooler nighttime temperatures frequently encountered in the higher elevations or the deeply shaded understory layers of the humid forests they inhabit.
Related Questions
What dispersal mechanism is hypothesized for the haplorhine ancestor reaching South America?What defining function does the powerful prehensile tail of the woolly monkey enable during feeding?Which specific family includes *Lagothrix* alongside spider monkeys and howler monkeys?What environmental factor likely drove the evolutionary advantage of the woolly monkey's thick, dense fur?What characteristic of *Lagothrix* locomotion contrasts with the more agile spider monkey (*Ateles*)?What life history feature imposes a significant evolutionary constraint on woolly monkey population recovery?What specific anatomical structure on the prehensile tail enhances its gripping sensitivity?What speciation mechanism is evidenced by the varied geographic ranges of *Lagothrix* species?Which recognized species of woolly monkey is specifically noted in the taxonomy summary as Critically Endangered?What future evolutionary selection pressure might arise if *Lagothrix* is forced into small, fragmented reserves?