The slow loris is the odd monkey out in the world of primates. Only 30 centimeters in length, the nocturnal creature is well named. Its movements are so slow as to be practically unnoticeable, but that, as it turns out, is important to its evolutionary survival.
The nature show "Darwin ga Kita" ("Here Comes Darwin"; NHK-G, Sun., 7:30 p.m) calls this Southeast Asian critter a "super lazy" ape, but there's method in its blase attitude. Because it moves so slowly, the insect that it likes to eat doesn't pay it any mind — until it's too late.
But slow moving animals have a disadvantage when it comes to predators, so the slow loris has something else no other primate can brag about: a poisonous bite. Also, slow movements means less energy used and thus less food intake.
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