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Description

Simiopterids are a highly derived clade of tapejarids, specialised for a life in the canopy. They are quite small with the species average size range similar to the average range of monkeys. The clade is highly diverse with some species specialised for certain species of fruit, others generalist seed and leaf eaters. Although they have lost their ability to fly, simiopterids retain their ancestors’ hollow bones and much of their wing patagia. These adaptations give them an advantage over similar sized monkeys and non-therian mammals they share the canopy with, as the simiopterids can still leap and glide great distances from tree to tree. This adaptation is vital to them since titanosaurs often push down trees, creating open forest pathways like modern elephants. Gliding allows the simiopterids to maintain a wide feeding range while monkeys and similar mammals need to stay in denser forest. The Simiopterids' smaller bodies mean they need less food than similarly sized monkeys and non-therian mammals.

Most simiopterids live in large loosely connected groups. Males will strive to impress females with vivid displays and complicated songs. Pairs will nest together and raise their 2 - 5 young in a woven nest far out of reach of predators and will take care of the young until they are able to fend for themselves.

Description

Simiopterids are a highly derived clade of tapejarids, specialised for a life in the canopy. They are quite small with the species average size range similar to the average range of monkeys. The clade is highly diverse with some species specialised for certain species of fruit, others generalist seed and leaf eaters. Although they have lost their ability to fly, simiopterids retain their ancestors’ hollow bones and much of their wing patagia. These adaptations give them an advantage over similar sized monkeys and non-therian mammals they share the canopy with, as the simiopterids can still leap and glide great distances from tree to tree. This adaptation is vital to them since titanosaurs often push down trees, creating open forest pathways like modern elephants. Gliding allows the simiopterids to maintain a wide feeding range while monkeys and similar mammals need to stay in denser forest. The Simiopterids' smaller bodies mean they need less food than similarly sized monkeys and non-therian mammals.

Most simiopterids live in large loosely connected groups. Males will strive to impress females with vivid displays and complicated songs. Pairs will nest together and raise their 2 - 5 young in a woven nest far out of reach of predators and will take care of the young until they are able to fend for themselves.