MORPHOLOGY: Megaladapis edwardsi had molars that were narrow with well-developed shearing crests (Fleagle, 1988). This species lacked upper incisors (Fleagle, 1988). The dental formula of this species was 0:1:3:3 on the upper jaw and 2:1:3:3 on the lower jaw (Martin, 1990). This species had a mandibular condyle which resembled that found in members of the extant genus Lepilemur (Martin, 1990). The nasal region of this species was pronounced (Fleagle, 1988). This species had a fused mandibular symphysis (Fleagle, 1988). The snout was long and the cranium was long and flat with a small braincase (Fleagle, 1988). The forelimbs of this species were long relative to the hindlimbs (Fleagle, 1988). The phalanges of this species were long and curved and the trunk was also long (Fleagle, 1988). The limbs of this species were relatively robust (Fleagle, 1988). This species had an average body mass of around 140.0 kilograms (Fleagle, 1988). The intermembral index of this species was 120 (Fleagle, 1988).
RANGE: Megaladapis edwardsi was found on the island of Madagascar (Fleagle, 1988).
Based upon dental morphology this was a folivorous species (Fleagle, 1988).
Based upon postcranial remains this species was most likely a terrestrial quadruped (Fleagle, 1988). This species probably also climbed vertical trunks and fed on leaves from a clinging position (Fleagle, 1988).
Fleagle, J.G. 1988. Primate Adaptation and Evolution. Academic Press: New York.
Martin, R.D. 1990. Primate Origins and Evolution: A Phylogenetic Reconstruction. Princeton University Press: Princeton, New Jersey.