What specialized feature allows Callitrichidae to access reliable energy from tree bark?
Specialized lower incisor teeth acting like chisels for gouging.
The Callitrichidae family, to which the Emperor Tamarin belongs, displays a unique dietary reliance on tree exudates, such as gum and sap, which serves as a fallback food source when seasonal fruits are scarce. To access this dependable energy supply, these small primates have evolved highly specialized dentition. Their lower incisor teeth are modified to function precisely like chisels. This adaptation allows them to actively gnaw into the tree bark, creating small holes from which they can extract the nutrient-rich, sticky substances. This adaptation is a crucial survival mechanism that ensures a steady energy input regardless of immediate fruit availability, separating their feeding habits from many other New World monkey groups.
