I am a biological anthropologist and paleontologist with interests in nonhuman primate anatomy and evolution. I study how individual development provides clues to behavior and to the "life history strategies" of extinct species. I use a variety of techniques to reconstruct the behavior and "lifeways" of extinct animals, with the ultimate goal of being able to reconstruct whole communities of primates in the past, and their transitions to the present. My particular expertise is the lemurs of Madagascar, where I have worked in the field for several decades. On this great island, I have worked with colleagues to better understand the recent extinctions of the "megafauna" (including the giant lemurs).

 

Research : Since 1971: Museum and laboratory research on the functional morphology, development and evolution of Malagasy lemurs; allometry and heterochrony. Since 1986: Field expeditions to Madagascar (Anjohibe, Anjohikely, Antsiroandoha, Andrafiabe, Fitsangatsanganan Ilay Olon' Tokana, Ampasambazimba, Taolambiby, Andrahomana and other sites), to explore the giant extinct lemur and associated fauna. Since 2001: Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve sifaka and mouse lemur projects. Ranomafana National Park lemur ontogeny project.

lgodfrey@anthro.umass.edu