KS3 / KS4 Biology - Lemurs: evolution and adaptation

This film is from the series Wonders of Life available on BBC Teach.

Professor Brian Cox visits Madagascar to track down the rare aye-aye lemur, and see how it is perfectly adapted to its surroundings.

He explains how species of lemurs have evolved to fulfill many different ecological niches on the island.

Brian shows us the unique adaptations of an aye-aye, like its unusual teeth, perfect for gnawing away bark, and its elongated, bony middle finger, which it uses to prize out grubs.

Teacher Notes

Use the clip as an alternative example of specific adaptations. Students could find out what animals could have competed with the aye-aye on different continents, identifying why they have been successful around the planet.

Curriculum Notes

This clip will be relevant for teaching Biology at KS3 and KS4/GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and SQA National 3/4/5 in Scotland.

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