Lemurids developed in isolation from monkeys, and without real predators, on the large island of Madagascar. Lemur hind legs are longer than the front, more pronounced in arboreal species. With a few exceptions, true lemurs are diurnal. The ring-tail is almost completely terrestrial.
Diurnal lemurs seek sunlight, especially in the morning, and sunbathe.
They sit with legs extended, taking on what resembles the Yoga lotus position, and absorb heat. When eating, lemurs bite hard shells and skins off with the incisors, but actually bite the fruit with the molars, tipping the head so that any juice runs into the mouth. They seldom soil their fur. The wet rhinarium is associated with a keen sense of smell and lemurs are keenly olfactory. Ring-tails have a large gland on the inside of each wrist and males have one at each armpit.