tarsier

Everyday

1. A tarsier is a tiny primate from islands in South-East Asia, such as the Philippines and Borneo, with huge round eyes, long back legs and a long thin tail. tree →
2. Each tarsier eye is about as big as its brain. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on adaptations, the tarsier is nocturnal: its huge eyes help it see at night, and it can turn its head almost all the way round like an owl. It eats insects and leaps between branches. Some kinds are endangered because their forests are cut down. Phrases: «Philippine tarsier», «tarsier's eyes».

Examples

• The tarsier has eyes as big as its brain. tree →
• Tarsiers hunt insects at night. tree →
• A tarsier can turn its head almost right round. tree →
• The tarsier leaps from tree to tree on its long legs. tree →
• Tarsiers live on islands in South-East Asia. tree →
• Loud noise and camera flashes can stress tarsiers, so visitors must be quiet. tree →

Note

Countable: a tarsier, tarsiers. Said «TAR-see-er». Its name comes from its long ankle bones (tarsus). A tarsier is a primate, related to monkeys and apes, not a rodent.