Chapter 1
Built for the dark and the bizarre biology of the aye-aye
Chapter 2
The great identity crisis and how science got it wrong
Chapter 3
Omens, taboos, and saving the world's strangest primate
YOUR GOAL
Master of The upside-down world of the Madagascar aye-aye
Ch 1 · Built for the dark and the bizarre biology of the aye-aye
alicecooks The Madagascar Aye-Aye
Tap-tap on the bark with a skeletal bone! (Tap that bone!) / Reaching for a grub in the dark all alone! (All alone!)
alicecooks The aye-aye's independently moving ears pinpoint the exact vibrations of wood-boring beetle larvae hidden under centimeters of bark.
alicecooks An aye-aye primate displays massive orange beaver teeth under dramatic studio lighting.
Fun Fact
Tapping finger heat: The aye-aye's specialized tapping finger actually cools down when not in use to save energy.
Glossary
nocturnal (adjective)
Active or occurring during the night rather than the day. This Madagascar lemur is the world's largest nocturnal primate, tapping tree trunks with a skeletal middle finger.
Active or occurring during the night rather than the day. This Madagascar lemur is the world's largest nocturnal primate, tapping tree trunks with a skeletal middle finger.
Quiz
What temperature change happens to the aye-aye's tapping finger when it is not actively foraging?
Quiz
How many degrees can the aye-aye's specialized tapping finger rotate at its joint?
Quiz
What physical feature of the aye-aye is larger relative to its body than almost any other primate?
Quiz
Which other mammal shares the aye-aye's rare feeding technique of percussive foraging?